JP2001204891A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a control load on a game control board arranged slot machine. SOLUTION: In this slot machine, the game control board 260 is provided with a game control means (CPU 251) that performs lottery related to a display result of a variable display device and controls the variable display device. A payment control means (CPU 361) for controlling payment of medals is disposed in a payment control board 360. Thus, a game control board 260 does not directly need to perform the payment control.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly, to a slot machine having a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and one game ends when a display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed. Regarding slot machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional slot machine of this type, when a prize is won as a result of a game, a credit is given or a medal is paid out. Further, when the winning is a regular bonus winning or a big bonus winning, a gaming state in which a regular bonus game, a big bonus game, or the like, which is an example of a special gaming state, can be performed. In the case of such a special game state, a lamp provided on the slot machine blinks in a predetermined manner and a sound effect is output from the speaker in order to notify the player of the special game state and enhance the effect. Be emitted.

[0003]

However, in the conventional slot machine, each of the above-described various controls such as the control of the value addition such as the payout of medals, the control of the game state, the control of the lamp unit, the control of the speaker, etc., is one. Is executed by a game control means (processor) mounted on the control board of the game. For this reason, there has been a problem that the processing load on the game control means (processor) mounted on one control board increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of reducing a processing load on game control means.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device whose display state can be changed, a lottery relating to a display result of the variable display device, and control of the variable display device. Game control means, receiving predetermined command information from the game control means, value giving control means for performing value giving control for giving a value object that can be exchanged for a value object or a value object to a player, and the game control means It is characterized by including a game control board to be mounted, and a value providing control board provided separately from the game control board and mounting the value providing control means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the slot machine includes an information recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value owned by a player is recorded. The information control device is connected to an information recording medium processing device that receives and outputs request information for giving the value object or the value information to a player in exchange for the debit of the valuable value, and the game control unit includes the information recording device. It is characterized by communicating with a medium processing device and receiving the request information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the slot machine further comprises an information recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value owned by a player is recorded. An information recording medium processing device that receives and outputs request information for giving the value object or the value information to a player in exchange for the deduction of the valuable value, and It is characterized by communicating with a recording medium processing device and receiving the request information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the game control means is provided between the game control means and the value provision control means. Information is transmitted by one-way communication from the control means to the value provision control means, and further includes detection means for detecting the provision of the value object by the value provision control means, wherein the detection means comprises the game control means And outputting a detection signal to both the value providing control means and the value providing control means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a sound output device capable of outputting a sound, and a predetermined output from the game control means. It is characterized by further including a sound control means for receiving the command information and controlling the sound output device, and a sound control board provided separately from the game control board and mounting the sound control means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a predetermined illuminant and predetermined command information from the game control means are received. And a luminous body control means for controlling the luminous body, and a luminous body control board provided separately from the game control board and mounting the luminous body control means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the variable display device is provided to visually enhance a game effect. An effect device provided separately, an effect device control means for receiving predetermined command information from the game control means and controlling the effect device, and the effect device provided separately from the game control board; An effect device control board on which control means is mounted is further included.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a power source for generating power used by the game control means from a predetermined power source is provided. Means, and a power supply board provided separately from the game control board and mounted with the power supply creation means.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by the operation of the game control means, the lottery relating to the display result of the variable display device is performed and the variable display device is controlled.
By the function of the value provision control means, predetermined command information from the game control means is received, and value provision control for providing the player with a value object or value information exchangeable with the value object is performed. The game control means is mounted on a game control board, and the value control means is mounted on a value control board provided separately from the game control board.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the slot machine has an information recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value owned by a player is recorded. It is connected to an information recording medium processing device that receives a medium and outputs request information for giving the value object or the value information to a player in exchange for the deduction of the value, and the game control means , The request information is received. Thereby, the game control means can grasp that it is required to give the value object or the value information to the player in exchange for the deduction of the valuable value.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the slot machine has an information recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value owned by a player is recorded. An information recording medium processing device that receives a medium and outputs request information for giving the value object or the value information to a player in exchange for the deduction of the valuable value, and is connected to the value providing control means. By
The request information is received. Thereby, the value assignment control means can recognize that it is required to assign the value object or the value information to the player in exchange for the deduction of the valuable value, and accordingly, the value The application control can be performed.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to third aspects,
Information is transmitted by one-way communication from the game control means to the value provision control means, and information is prevented from being transmitted in the opposite direction. Further, a detection signal of a detecting means for detecting the giving of the value object by the value giving control means is input to both the game control means and the value giving control means.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to fourth aspects,
By the operation of the sound control means mounted on the sound control board, predetermined command information from the game control means is received, and the sound output device is controlled.

According to the present invention described in claim 6, in addition to the function of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4,
By the operation of the luminous body control means mounted on the luminous body control board, predetermined command information from the game control means is received, and the luminous body is controlled.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention,
By the effect of the effect device control means mounted on the effect device control board, predetermined command information from the game control means is received, and the effect device provided to visually enhance the effect of the game. Is controlled.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the function of the first aspect of the present invention,
The power used by the game control means is generated from a predetermined power supply by the operation of the power supply creation means mounted on the power supply board.

[0021]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a slot machine having card units adjacent to each other. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the internal structure of the slot machine.

The card unit 700 is provided with a display such as a card use display 717 and a connection stand direction display 719, and a card insertion slot 721. The card availability indicator 717 is a lamp that lights when the card unit 700 is in a usable state. The connection stand direction indicator 719 is a lamp for indicating to which of the slot machines installed on the left and right of the card unit 700 the card unit 700 is connected. A prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 721.

The front door 42 of the slot machine 1 is provided with a locking device 39. Locking is released by rotating a predetermined key inserted into the keyhole of the locking device 39 clockwise. When the big bonus game is over and the game is over, the slot machine 1 is reset by rotating the key inserted into the keyhole in the counterclockwise direction, and the game can be played again. In addition, it is also possible to reset automatically by setting. Speaker covers 44 and 45 having speaker holes 49 for outputting sound effects such as sound and melody in stereo are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the front door 42. A lower speaker section 36a is provided below the slot machine 1. Speakers 240 and 241 (see FIG. 9) are provided inside the speaker covers 44 and 45. A speaker 36 (see FIG. 9) is provided inside the lower speaker section 36a. A right lower game effect lamp section 9 and a lower left game effect lamp section 10 are provided on the left and right of the lower portion of the front door 42. An upper front decorative frame 50 is provided in a region surrounded by the speaker covers 44 and 45, the lower right game effect lamp section 9, and the lower left game effect lamp section 10, and below the upper front decorative frame 50. , A lower front decorative frame 52 is provided. Both the upper front decorative frame 50 and the lower front decorative frame 52 are inserted into the front door 42 from outside the front door 42 (front side with respect to the gaming machine main body 46). The upper front decorative frame 50 is temporarily fixed with locking claws and then fixed with screws. The lower front decorative frame 52 is fixed to the front door 42 by a locking piece 59 (see FIG. 2). Upper front decorative frame 50
Is a portion provided with game effect lamp portions 2a to 2e and a winning symbol explanation display panel 11, a substantially elliptical portion provided with a game panel 12, various operation buttons, various lamp portions, and the like; It is formed to project from the lower part to the front side, and has a medal insertion part 27 and various operation buttons 28 and 30.
32, a stop button 29L, 29C, 29R, a start lever 33 and the like. A title panel 35 on which the model name of the slot machine is drawn is attached to the lower front decorative frame 52 by screws from the back side of the lower front decorative frame 52.

An opening is formed at a substantially central portion of the winning symbol explanation display panel 11, and the effect device 6 is provided in the opening.
70 are provided. Various effects images are displayed on the effect device 670. For example, when a winning occurs, an image in which the character performs a predetermined action is displayed, and when a winning flag described later is set, the predetermined action of the character is displayed as an image to notify that the winning flag has been set. I do. Below the lower front decorative frame 52, a medal payout hole 37 for paying out a medal as an example of a game medium and the above-described lower speaker portion 36a are formed. Below the medal payout hole 37, a medal tray 38 in which an ashtray 41 is formed is attached. The medal tray 38 is provided with a medal tray decoration 40 for decorating the medal tray 38. On the upper part of the upper front decorative frame 50, game effect lamps 2a to 2e are provided. Of these, the game effect lamp units 2a, 2c, and 2e each include two lamps. On the other hand, each of the game effect lamp units 2b and 2d has one built-in lamp. Around the gaming panel 12 of the upper front decorative frame 50, a diagonally upper right gaming effect lamp portion 5, a diagonally upper left gaming effect lamp portion 7, and a right middle gaming effect lamp portion 3 are provided.
a, 3b, and a middle left game effect lamp section 4a, 4b. A diagonally lower left game effect lamp portion 8 is provided diagonally below and below the start lever 33, and a diagonally lower right game effect lamp portion 6 is provided diagonally below and below the medal jam release button 28. The upper right diagonal game effect lamp section 5, the upper left diagonal game effect lamp section 7, the right middle game effect lamp sections 3a and 3b, and the left middle game effect lamp sections 4a and 4
b, the lower left diagonal gaming effect lamp section 8 and the lower right diagonal lower gaming effect lamp section 6 each incorporate two lamps. The gaming panel 12 has a slot machine 1
Left reel 23L, middle reel 2 provided on the main body 46 side
3C, a see-through window 43 through which the right reel 23R can be seen;
The game overlamp unit 13, the replay lamp unit 14, and the weight lamp unit 1 located on the right side of the see-through window 43.
5, a start lamp section 16, an insert medal lamp section 17, a credit display section 24 located below the see-through window 43, a big bonus game number display section (game number display section) 25, and a payout display section 26. ing. Credit display section 24, big bonus game number display section (game number display section) 25, payout display section 2
6 has a built-in LED (Light Emitting Diode). One bet ramp 18, two bet ramp 19,2
The one and three betting lamp units 20 and 22 display the number of bets bet on the game by the player by lighting the lamp. The game over lamp unit 13 is turned on when the game is over. The replay lamp unit 14 is turned on when the game result is “replay”. The start lamp section 16 is turned on when the game can be started. The insert medal lamp unit 17 blinks when a medal can be inserted.

The weight lamp section 15 lights up during the wait time. During the wait time, start lever 3
Operation 3 is invalidated. The wait time starts from the time when the reel started spinning in the previous game,
The process ends when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from that time. Therefore, as long as a plurality of games are sequentially played at a sufficient time interval, the wait time is not caught when the start lever 33 is operated, but the plurality of games can be played in a short time due to being too enthusiastic about the game. In the case where the game is being consumed, the wait time is caught, and a restriction is imposed on the game being completed too quickly. The credit display unit 24 displays the number of credits. The credit is the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1 as a value owned by the player. This credit can be obtained by performing an operation of withdrawing the balance (remaining card balance) from the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 700, directly inserting a medal into the slot machine 1, or winning a game. The addition and update are performed, and the subtraction and update are performed by setting a bet amount or receiving a payout of medals based on credits. The slot machine 1 can store a maximum value of 50 medals as a credit. When the stored number of credits reaches the upper limit number (50), the insert medal lamp unit 17 is turned off. When a request for adding and updating credits exceeding the upper limit of storage occurs, medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the medal payout hole 37. Big bonus game number display section 25
Displays the status of winning a bonus during the big bonus game, the number of winnings during the regular bonus game, and the like. The big bonus game number display section 25 may further serve as a display section for displaying notification information for notifying regular bonus winning or big bonus winning, and the number of medals obtained by the player during the big bonus game after the end of the big bonus game. Function. The payout display section 26 displays the number of credits given to the player when a prize has occurred. On the front side of the reels between the reels 23L, 23C, 23R, there is provided an inter-reel closing member 51 for closing a gap between the reels. The see-through window 43 constitutes a variable display section (variable display area) in which a symbol can be visually recognized. A medal insertion portion 27 having a medal insertion slot 27a formed therein, a MAXBET button 30 and a 1
A card BET button 31 and a cancel button 32 are provided. Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, a card balance indicator 720 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card.
(See FIG. 6) is also provided at a predetermined position (for example, a position next to the MAXBET button 30).

The MAXBET button 30 is the maximum number of bets allowed in one game (for example, three medals).
Is pressed when betting on a game within the range stored in the credit. One BET button 31
This button is pressed when betting the value of one medal. MAX BET button 30 and single BET button 3
1 has a built-in lamp that is turned on when a button is pressed to set a bet amount and turned off when a bet amount cannot be set. Cancel button 32
Is a button pressed when collecting medals stored as credits in the slot machine 1 from the medal payout hole 37. When the cancel button 32 is pressed, the credit display is reduced and updated until the display on the credit display unit 24 becomes 0, and medals corresponding to the number of credits are paid out. That is, the cancel button 32 is a payment button operated when the payment is completed after the game. A start lever 33, a left stop button 29L, a middle stop button 29C, a right stop button 29R, and a medal jam release button 28 are provided on a side surface of a portion formed to protrude from the lower part of the game panel 12 to the front side. ing. The stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R are arranged in a panel-shaped stop button unit. A lamp is provided inside each of the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R, and the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 2
Turns on or off depending on whether 9R is enabled or disabled. The stop button unit is provided with a game effect lamp unit 34 that lights up according to the game situation. Start lever 3
Reference numeral 3 denotes a lever operated when starting a game. After setting the number of bets, by operating the start lever 33, the reels 23L, 23C, 23R start rotating simultaneously. Each stop button 29L, 29C, 29R
Is a button operated when the spinning reel is stopped after the game has started. The medal jam release button 28 is a button operated when the medal inserted into the medal slot 27a is jammed inside the slot machine 1 to eliminate the medal jam. The lower left game effect lamp unit 10 has a built-in lamp, and is provided with a lend button 723 and a return button 722. The lending button 723 is a button pressed to obtain credit by debiting the balance (card balance) from the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 700. On the other hand, the return button 722 is a button pressed when the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 700 is ejected outside the machine. For example, when a player who has visited a game arcade inserts a prepaid card into the card unit 700 and presses the lending button 723 once to start a game, 1000
50 credits (equivalent to 50 medals) are given in exchange for the deduction of the balance equivalent to the yen. Further, when the lending button 723 is pressed when there is a credit on hand (the number displayed on the credit display unit 24 is not 0), 10
In exchange for the deduction of the balance equivalent to 00 yen, the total number of credits is updated to the upper limit value of 50, and the shortfall in compensation for the deduction is directly paid out as medals. Note that while the game is in progress (while the reels are rotating), the operation of the lending button 723 is invalidated, and when all the reels are stopped and the game result is displayed, the lending button 723 is displayed.
Operation is validated.

The lend button 723 and the return button 722 are the cancel button 32 that is operated when the game is ended and the settlement is performed, and the MAX button that is operated when the bet amount is set.
The BET button 30 and the single BET button 31 are provided at positions separated from the BET button 30 and the single BET button 31. This allows, for example,
A player who is trying to set a bet amount or a player who wants to settle the game by arbitrarily operates the lend button 723, and the balance of the prepaid card is withdrawn against the intention of the player. Unnecessary credits are not added and updated. Next, the structure of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The slot machine 1 includes a front door 42 and a main body 46. Body 4
The side of the front door 42 receiving the front door 42 is inclined at a predetermined angle (3 °), and faces the main body 46 side of the front door 42 so that the main body 46 can be closed along this inclination. The side surface to be formed has a slope shape.

Inside the main body 46, each reel 23L, 2
A reel unit 60 (hereinafter also referred to as a variable display device 60), which is an example of a variable display device, that drives the 3C and 23R to rotate, and a hopper unit 6 for processing medals.
6 and a power supply box 65 are shown. As described later with reference to FIG. 3, various control boards are provided inside the main body 46 above the rear plate (between the reel support plate 97 covering the upper part of the reel unit 60 and the top plate of the main body 46). Mounted. Although not shown, a hopper tank 7 is provided on the right side of the hopper unit 66 with respect to the drawing.
An overflow tank for storing medals overflowing from 4 is attached.

The front door 42 is rotatably connected to the main body 46 by an upper articulated hinge 54 and a lower articulated hinge 55 which are examples of a connecting portion.

Reels 23L, 23C, 23R driven by a stepping motor are mounted on the reel unit 60. At a predetermined position on the outer periphery of each of the reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, an inter-reel closing member 51 having a shape following the curve of the reel is provided. In addition, each reel 23
L, 23C, and 23R, each reel 23L, 23R
Among the symbols drawn on C and 23R, a lamp house 107 is provided for accommodating an in-reel lamp 261 (see FIG. 8) for illuminating the symbol moved to a position viewed from the see-through window 43 from the inner periphery of the reel. Have been. Lamp 2 in reel
61 are provided on each of the reels 23L, 23C, and 23R, and the upper part, the middle part, and the lower part of the reel, which can be visually recognized from the see-through window 43, are respectively provided on the reels 23L, 2
It is configured to be able to light independently for each of 3C and 23R. By flashing (flashing) the reel lamp 261, a notice of a big bonus win, a regular bonus win or the like is performed. In particular, in the slot machine 1, the in-reel lamp 261 is configured to flash by any one of a plurality of flash patterns prepared in advance, and the flash pattern is used to notify a big bonus or a regular bonus. (The probability that a notice will hit, the same applies hereinafter) is made different.

Each of the reels 23L, 23C, 23R is surrounded on all sides by an upper reel support plate 97, a horizontal reel support plate 96, and a lower reel support plate 92, and is mounted at a predetermined position on the main body 46. The connector 64 is provided on the horizontal reel support plate 96. Further, a connector 61 and an electrical component 63 are provided on the horizontal reel support plate 96, and a drive board 62 for driving and controlling an internal stepping motor is mounted. The drive board 62 is electrically connected to a control board (not shown) via a connector 61.

The hopper unit 66 has a hopper unit support plate 78 for supporting the entire hopper unit 66.
The hopper unit is fixed to the main body 46 by being fixed at a predetermined position of a hopper unit slide rail 76 provided on the main body 46 side by a hopper unit stopper 77.

The hopper unit 66 is provided with a hopper tank 74 and a medal payout motor 75. The hopper tank 74 is a tank for storing medals. On the other hand, the medal payout motor 75 is a medal payout motor. As the medal payout motor 75 rotates, the medals in the hopper tank 74 are discharged one by one from a medal payout port 94 provided on the front side of the hopper tank 74. The medals discharged from the medal payout port 94 are guided to the medal payout port facing hole 58 formed in the medal return / payout chute 57 of the front door 42 and are paid out from the medal payout hole 37 on the front surface of the front door 42.

The hopper tank 74 is supported by a hopper tank support member 93, and is mounted on a hopper unit support plate 78 that supports the entire hopper unit 66. At the upper part of the hopper tank 74, a loaded medal rail 73 for guiding the inserted medals into the hopper tank 74 is attached. The hopper tank 74
The medal payout port 94 provided on the front side of is fixed at a predetermined position by a medal payout port stopper 79. Further, on the side of the hopper tank 74, an overflow rail 72 for guiding an overflowed medal to an overflow tank (not shown) is provided.

In the power supply box 65, a power supply board 650 is provided.
(See FIG. 11). The power supply board 650 is
Receiving an AC current source from outside the slot machine 1,
This is a board that supplies necessary power to each control board. The power supply box 65 includes a power switch, a fuse, a blow switch, a setting switch, and a reset switch. After the big bonus game is over,
This switch is used to set whether to temporarily stop or automatically reset. The reset switch is a switch for releasing the error state when the slot machine 1 enters an error state due to the occurrence of an error.

In the housing of the main body 46, there are provided a plurality of conductive metal plates for contacting all the metal plates in the housing of the main body 46 in order to prevent failures and errors due to static electricity. FIG. 2 shows a left energized sheet metal 95 and a lower energized sheet metal 108 among a plurality of energized sheet metals. 67 is
A slider receiving portion formed by cutting out a part of the lower energized sheet metal 108. The slider 68 provided on the front door 42 enters the slider receiving portion 67. In addition,
Although not visible in FIG. 2, a right energizing sheet metal and a right side energizing sheet metal are attached to the right side surface of the main body.

Next, the configuration of the rear side of the front door 42 will be described. On the left side when viewed from the back side of the front door 42,
A key metal plate 110 having a U-shaped cross section is incorporated. Since the key metal plate 110 is incorporated along the side surface of the inclined surface facing the main body 46 side of the front door 42, it is inclined by 3 ° with respect to the vertical direction.

The locking device 39 is attached to the key plate 110, and the upper key portion 70 and the lower key portion 71 are attached to the key plate 110. Further, below the key plate 110,
A slider 68 is attached.

When the main body 46 is closed by the front door 42, the front door 42 is rotated and pressed against the main body 46, and the portion where the slider 68 is attached below the key plate 110 is inserted into the main body 46. I'll store it. At the lower right of the main body 46 as viewed in the figure, a metal slider receiving portion 67 into which the slider 68 enters is provided. The slider receiving portion 67 can prevent the inside of the main body 46 from being deteriorated due to the slider 68 sliding in the main body 46.

The upper key portion 70 and the lower key portion 71 are tilted by pressing the front door 42 against the main body 46, and then engage with an engaging portion (not shown) attached to the main body. Thereby, the main body 46 is closed by the front door 42. On the other hand, when opening the front door 42 again, a predetermined key is inserted into the locking device 39, and the key is rotated clockwise. In conjunction with this rotation, the upper key portion 70 and the lower key portion 71 are tilted, and the engagement with the engagement portion on the main body 46 side is released. Thereby, the front door 42 can be opened.

Above the front door 42, an upper lamp board 88 for controlling the game effect lamp sections 2a to 2e is mounted. Below the upper lamp substrate 88, the reflection plate 53 is attached. The reflecting plate 53 incorporates a fluorescent lamp in addition to the effect device 670 (not shown) (see FIG. 1). This fluorescent lamp illuminates the entire winning symbol explanation display panel 11 and the upper part of the game panel 12 from the inside,
The upper part of each of the reels 23L, 23C, 23R is illuminated. On the side of the game panel 12, a right middle game effect lamp 3a,
A horizontal lamp board 90 for controlling the 3b and the left middle game effect lamp sections 4a and 4b is mounted. Further, below the game panel 12, an internal shielding member 56 is attached. By the inside shielding member 56, the inside of the slot machine is viewed through the see-through window 43,
The internal structure of the slot machine 1 can be prevented from being disclosed to a third party. The internal shielding member 56 is formed with an internal shielding member receiving concave portion 91 corresponding to the reel closing member 51.

An operation section board 109 is provided below the internal shielding member 56. This operation unit board 109 is
The AXBET button 30, the single BET button 31, the cancel button 32, the start lever 33, and the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R are electrically connected.

Below the operation section board 109, a medal selector 89 and a medal return / payout chute 57 are mounted. In the medal return / payout chute 57,
A medal payout opening facing hole 58 is formed to guide the medal paid out from the medal payout outlet 94. Since the medal return / payout chute 57 is in communication with the medal payout hole 37 on the front of the front door 42, the medals paid out from the medal payout port 94 are medal return / payout chute 57.
Is given to the player from the medal payout hole 37 via the.
On the other hand, the medal selector 89 selectively transfers the medals guided from the medal insertion portion 27 (see FIG. 1) on the front side of the front door 42 to the back of the front door 42 to the medal return / payout chute 57 or the inserted medal rail 73 side. It has a select function for sorting and guiding. For example, when the inserted medal is not a prescribed medal (for example, a falsified medal), or when the insertion of a medal is prohibited, for example, when the number of credits reaches a limit number, the medal selector 89 is selected. The medal is guided to the medal return / payout chute 57 by the function. Thereby, the medals are returned to the player. On the other hand, when the medal is a regular medal and the insertion of the medal is not prohibited, the medal selector 89 selects the medal to the inserted medal rail 73 side.

At the left side of the medal return / payout chute 57, a lower speaker main body 36 for outputting sound from the lower speaker section 36a is mounted. In addition, return medals
A lower front decorative frame 52 is provided on the right side of the payout chute 57.
Is provided with a lower front decorative frame locking piece 59 for locking the lower frame.

Next, the game contents of the slot machine 1 will be described. For example, when there is a credit on hand (the number displayed on the credit display unit 24 is not 0), the bet amount can be set by pressing the single BET button 31. In particular, when the display of the credit display section 24 is 3 or more, the bet amount is set to the maximum number of 3 by pressing the MAXBET button 30 once, except during a regular bonus game described later. Can be.

Specifically, when the single bet button 31 is pressed once, the number of bets is set to 1, and the single bet lamp unit 1 is set.
8 lights up to indicate that. Subsequently, when the single bet button 31 is pressed once, the number of bets is set to 2, and in addition to the single bet ramp section 18, two 2-betting ramp sections provided at positions sandwiching the single bet ramp section 18 are provided. Lights 19 and 21 indicate that. Continue one BET button 31
Is pressed once, the bet number is set to 3, and in addition to the single bet ramp unit 18 and the two bet ramp units 19 and 21,
2 provided at a position sandwiching the two betting ramp portions 19 and 21
The three betting lamp units 20 and 22 light up to indicate that fact. As described above, the betting ramp units 18 to 22 also serve as active line display. Note that the MAXBET button 3
When 0 is pressed once, the single bet ramp unit 18, the two bet ramp units 19, 21 and the three bet ramp units 20, 2
2 lights to indicate that the bet amount has been set to the maximum number of 3.

When the display of the credit display section 24 is 0, it is possible to set a bet amount by directly inserting medals.

Specifically, the insert medal lamp unit 1
When 7 is lit, the medal is inserted into the medal slot 27a.
By inserting one to three coins into the game, the bet number can be set to any one of 1 to 3. When four or more medals are inserted, the number of credits displayed on the credit display section 24 is incremented by one each time a fourth or later medal is inserted. However, both when using medals and when using credit,
In the regular bonus game, one BET button 31
Alternatively, regardless of how many times the MAXBET button 30 is pressed, one bet is automatically set. MAXBET button 30 when the number of credits is less than 3
When is pressed, the maximum bet amount that can be selected with the remaining credit amount is set. For example, if the number of remaining credits is 1, the bet number is set to 1, and if the number of remaining credits is 2, the bet number is set to 2 unless the game is a regular bonus game. When the number of bets has been set, the start lamp section 16 lights up. Thereby, the player is notified that the start lever 33 can be operated and the start state is established. If the start lever 33 is operated while the start lamp section 16 is lit, the reels 23L, 23C, and 23R simultaneously start rotating (also referred to as variable display; the same applies hereinafter). Each reel 23L, 23
A plurality of types of symbols are drawn on C and 23R, and the types of symbols appearing in the see-through window 43 change one after another with the rotation of the reel, and the plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed.

From the see-through window 43, an inter-reel closing member 51 is provided.
Reels 23L, 23C, 23 partitioned by
A portion of R is visible. The reel-to-reel closing member 51 is provided on the reel side, but is divided into three areas of the see-through window 43 by dividing the field of view by the reel-to-reel closing member 51, that is, each of the reels 23L and 23.
C, 23R are visually recognized by three reels 23
L, 23C, and 23R are referred to as a left variable display unit, a middle variable display unit, and a right variable display unit.

From each of the variable display portions of the see-through window 43, of a plurality of symbols drawn on each reel, three consecutive symbols are variably displayed at the upper, middle, and lower positions, and the upper portion of the upper portion is displayed. , A part of the symbol that will soon appear in the upper position, and a part of the symbol that will soon be hidden under the variable display unit and displayed in the lower part of the lower part are displayed.

When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the lamps provided on the respective stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R are turned on. As a result, the player is notified that the pressing operation of each of the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R is in an operation effective state. Each stop button 29L, 29C, 29R is connected to each reel 23L, 23
C, 23R, and the player can determine the order and timing of stopping the reels 23L, 23C, 23R by his / her own operation. When the player presses any one of the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R, the lamp provided on the corresponding stop button is turned off. Thereafter, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is stopped.

On the other hand, when the player presses the stop button 29L, 2
When the 9C and 29R are not operated, each of the reels 23L, 23C and 23R is operated after a predetermined variable display time has elapsed.
For example, the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R are automatically stopped sequentially in the priority order of 23L, 23C, 23R.
Are turned off in the order of 29L, 29C and 29R.

When all the reels 23L, 23C, 23R have stopped, each reel 2
The winning or non-winning is determined by a combination of the symbols located on the effective line determined according to the bet amount among the three symbols of the upper, middle, and lower tiers of 3L, 23C, and 23R.
When the bet amount is 1, only the hit line in the middle horizontal row in the variable display section is activated. The activated hit line is called an activated line. When the bet number is 2, the upper, middle, and lower rows of three horizontal lines in the variable display section are effective lines. When the bet number is 3, a total of five hit lines of three horizontal rows and two diagonal rows on the variable display section are effective lines. The active line in each game is indicated by the lighting positions of the betting lamp units 19 to 22 which light up according to the bet amount when the bet amount is set. That is,
The betting ramp units 19 to 22 constitute a valid line notifying unit capable of notifying the player of the valid line.

When a combination of symbols on an activated line has a predetermined specific display mode and a prize is generated, various game effect lamps blink in a predetermined mode and a sound effect is output from a speaker. Is done. Further, a lamp portion corresponding to a winning line among the betting lamp portions 19 to 22 blinks. The reel line 261 (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the pay line may be blinked to notify the pay line. Then, the number of credits given in accordance with the winning is displayed on the payout display section 26, and the number of credits displayed on the credit display section 24 is added and updated by the number displayed on the payout display section 26. In particular, when a predetermined special display mode is set, a credit is given and a big bonus game or a regular bonus game can be started.

Next, the reach will be described. When the variable display of the two reels among the reels 23L, 23C, 23R is completed, when the winning symbols satisfying the winning condition are stopped and displayed on the activated line formed by both variable display sections (for example, If two identical symbols are stopped and displayed), the reach is established. For example, the reach related to the big bonus prize is established when two “7” or “7 with a pattern” defined as the big bonus symbol are stopped and displayed on the activated line.

When the reach is established, a sound effect is output from the speaker. This sound effect differs depending on the type of reach, such as the reach related to the big bonus prize and the reach related to the regular bonus prize. Note that the notification sound may be output from the speaker, and the various game effect lamp units may blink in a predetermined manner. Then, for example, if the stop button corresponding to the reel in the middle of the variable display is pressed, the lamp provided on the stop button turns off, the variable display of the reel ends, and the final display result is derived and displayed. Is done.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot machine 1 for explaining the manner of mounting the control board. In the drawing, a state where the front door 42 is removed is shown.

As shown, five control board boxes are provided on the reel unit 60 in correspondence with the number of control boards. A game control board (also referred to as a main control board; hereinafter the same) 260 is accommodated in the game control board box 260a. The payout control board 360 is accommodated in the payout control board box 360a. The voice control board box 460a houses the voice control board 460. A lamp control board 560 is housed in the lamp control board box 560a. The image display control board 660 is housed in the image display control board box 660a.

Of the control boards housed in each control board box, a payout control board 360, a voice control board 460, a lamp control board 560, and an image display control board 660
Is connected to the game control board 260 via a connector (not shown) provided on each control board.

The control boards 260, 360, 46
0, 560, and 660 are connected to the power supply board 650 housed in the power supply box 65, and receive power supply from the power supply board 650.

FIG. 4 is a developed view showing symbols (symbol marks and identification information) drawn on the outer periphery of the reel (left reel) 23L, the reel (middle reel) 23C, and the reel (right reel) 23R. The left reel 23L is located at the “left” position in FIG.
The middle reel 23C is shown at the “middle” position, and the right reel 23R is shown at the “right” position. The numbers shown on the left side of FIG. 4 are symbol numbers.

For example, in the case of the middle reel 23C,
For each symbol number from "0" to "7", "JAC",
"Bell", "watermelon", "cherry", "BAR",
The symbols "JAC", "bell", and "patterned 7" are correspondingly drawn on the outer periphery of the reel.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine 1. In the first embodiment, in addition to the game control function, various sub-control functions required for controlling the slot machine 1 (medal payout control function, various lamp / LED control functions, effect device 67).
(0 display control function and sound effect control function) are all carried out by a control board different from the game control board 260.

Therefore, as the control boards, in addition to the game control board 260, the payout control board 360, the voice control board 46
0, a lamp control board 560, and an image display control board 660 are provided. The game control board 260 includes a payout control board 360, a voice control board 460, and a lamp control board 56.
0, the image display control board 660, and the card unit 700.

As described above, by distributing the various sub-control functions on a board different from the game control board 260, the control load on the game control board 260 is reduced. Further, by exchanging only the game control board 260, the game content can be changed to a new one, and the control boards 360, 460, 560, 660 other than the game control board 260 can be effectively used.

Further, when a slot machine is newly developed, a test to determine whether or not the slot machine conforms to a certain standard is carried out in advance by a predetermined organization. Thus, a necessary test can be performed for each control function, and the test can be easily performed.

The game control board 260 has a CPU (Central Procedures) capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure.
sing unit) 251, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 252 for storing a control program of the CPU 251, and a RAM (Random) for writing and reading necessary data.
Access Memory) 254 and an I / O port 249 for ensuring signal consistency between the CPU 251 and the external circuit. Since the various sub-control functions are distributed on a board different from the game control board 260, the CPU 2
51 can perform complicated processing at a high speed, and it is sufficient if the ROM 252 mainly stores only control programs related to game control. Therefore, a control program having a large number of steps for performing various game controls can be stored in the ROM 252, and a highly entertaining game can be provided.

The game control board 260 further includes a CPU
I / O for ensuring signal consistency between the H.251 and the external circuit
A port 249, an initial reset circuit 255 for giving a reset pulse to the CPU 251 when power is turned on, etc .;
A clock generation circuit 256 that supplies a clock signal to the clock signal 51
And a pulse frequency dividing circuit (interrupt pulse generating circuit) 257 which frequency-divides the clock signal from the clock generating circuit 256 and periodically supplies an interrupt pulse to the CPU 251;
1, an address decode circuit 258 for decoding address data from the switch 1, a switch / sensor circuit 242 to which signals from various switch / sensors are input, and a motor circuit 2
43 and a solenoid circuit 245 are mounted.

The CPU 251 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine in accordance with the interrupt pulse periodically given from the pulse dividing circuit 257. The address decode circuit 258 decodes the address data from the CPU 251 and stores the decoded data in the ROM 252, the RAM 254, the I / O
A chip select signal is applied to each of the O ports 249.

In this slot machine 1, the ROM 252
Is a programmable ROM so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, the program for the CPU 251 stored therein can be changed if necessary.
Is used. Then, the CPU 251 reads the ROM2
In accordance with the control program stored in the memory 52 and in response to the input of each control signal described below, a control signal is given to the reel drive motor 213 (L, C, R), various display lamps, and the like. The RAM 254 is configured to be supplied with a current for storing data from the backup power supply 253, and the power supply board 650 (FIG.
1), the probability setting value and the game state can be stored for a predetermined period even if the supply of current from the current supply is stopped.

When the probability setting switch 201 is operated by a game room manager or the like, the operation signal is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242.

When the key switch 202 is operated by a predetermined key, an operation signal is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242. The key switch switches between the game mode and the probability setting mode, and the input of the probability setting switch 201 is accepted only in the probability setting mode. When the reset switch 203 is operated by a predetermined key, an operation signal is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242. When the cancel button 32 is operated, the operation signal is detected by the cancel switch 204, and the detection signal is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch sensor circuit 242.

The operation of the one-sheet BET button 31 is one-sheet BET
The output is detected by the switch 205 and input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242. The operation of the MAXBET button 30 is MAXBE
The output is detected by the T switch 206, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242. The pressing operation of the start lever 33 is detected by the start switch 207, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242.

Each pressing operation of the left stop button 29L, the middle stop button 29C, and the right stop button 29R is performed by a left stop switch (photo sensor) 342L, a middle stop switch 342C, and a right stop switch 342.
R, and each detection signal is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242. The medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 27a is detected by the inserted medal sensor 209, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242. When a medal is paid out by the medal payout motor 75 provided in the hopper unit 66, the paid out medal is detected by the payout medal sensor 210, and the detection output is output from the switch sensor circuit 242.
Through the I / O port 249.

When the overflow tank becomes full due to the stored medals, the fact is detected by the full tank sensor 211, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 249 via the switch / sensor circuit 242. Reel 23L,
When the reference values of the respective reels (notches or the like are formed) are detected by the left, middle, and right reel position sensors 212L, 212C, and 212R, the respective detection signals are switched. Sensor circuit 242
Through the I / O port 249.

The CPU 251 controls the left, center, and right reel drive motors 213L, 213C,
A reel drive control signal (step signal for a stepping motor) is output to 213R. Thereby, the driving of each of the reels 23L, 23C, 23R is controlled. Further, a solenoid excitation control signal is output to the flow path switching solenoid 215 via the solenoid circuit 245.

The CPU 251 determines in advance whether or not to make a game in which an internal lottery can be performed to generate a big bonus prize or a regular bonus prize. Here, the internal lottery is a process in which the CPU 251 extracts the value of the random counter stored in the RAM 252 and determines whether or not the extracted value matches a predetermined winning value. This internal lottery is performed for each type of winning. For example, when the extracted value matches a predetermined big bonus winning value, the CPU 251 sets a big bonus winning flag, and makes it possible to draw in a roll that generates a big bonus winning. Alternatively, when the extracted value matches a predetermined regular bonus winning value, the CPU 251 sets a regular bonus winning flag, and makes it possible to draw in a roll for generating a regular bonus prize. When a regular bonus prize occurs in a subsequent game, the subsequent gaming state is controlled to a gaming state in which a regular bonus game is provided (first special gaming state), and when a big bonus prize occurs, The subsequent gaming state is controlled to a gaming state in which a big bonus game is provided (a second special gaming state).

Hereinafter, a state in which a winning flag such as a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag is set is simply referred to as “internal winning”. Therefore,
The above-mentioned “notify the regular bonus winning” is to “notify the state that the regular bonus winning flag is set”, and “notifying the big bonus winning” is “the big bonus winning flag is set”. Notify the set state. "

When a prize is generated, the CPU 251 performs a process of adding and updating a predetermined credit amount according to the type of the prize to the currently stored credit amount. The processing of subtracting and updating is performed. The credit amount is stored in the RAM 254, and the R is displayed in the credit display unit 24 (see FIG. 1).
The stored value of AM 254 is displayed.

The game control board 260 to each control board 36
To 0, 460, 560, and 660, a command as an example of the command information is transmitted. The command output from the game control board 260 includes INT indicating the validity period of the command.
Signal is included. The INT signal has a high level (off state) in an invalid state, and has a low level (on state) in a valid state. Each control board 360, 46
0, 560, and 660 perform control operations based on commands transmitted from the game control board 260.

Each control board 260, 360, 460, 56
Various electrical components are connected to 0 and 660, but are not shown in FIG. For example, to the payout control board 360, a medal payout motor 75 (see FIG. 10) for paying out medals from the hopper unit 66 is connected. The payout control board 360 controls payout of medals based on a payout control command output from the game control board 260. The voice control board 460 includes the speaker 36,
240 and 241 (see FIG. 9) are connected. The voice control board 460 performs control to output various sound effects from the speakers 36, 240, and 241 based on a voice control command output from the game control board 260. Various lamps such as the game effect lamps 219 to 227 and various indicators such as the number-of-games indicator 216 are connected to the lamp control board 560 (see FIG. 8). The lamp control board 560 controls these lamps and the like based on a lamp control command output from the game control board 260. A rendering device (CRT display) 670 is connected to the image display control board 660 (see FIG. 7). The image display control board 660 controls the display of the effect device 670 based on the display control command output from the game control board 260.

The game control board 260 and each control board 360,
Between 460, 560, and 660, the game control board 26
Signals are transmitted in only one direction from 0 to each of the control boards 360, 460, 560, and 660, and one-way communication is performed such that signals are not transmitted in the reverse direction. This prevents an illegal signal from being input to the game control board 260 side.

In particular, in the first embodiment, the CPU 251 for performing the game control function and the CPU 361 for performing the sub-control functions (payout control function, lamp / LED control function, display control function, sound effect control function). 461,56
Since the game control CPU 1661 and the game control CPU 661 are mounted on different boards, the game control CPU performing the game control function and the sub control CPU performing the sub control function are mounted on a single board. Compared to the case of a one-way communication configuration from the control CPU to the sub-control CPU, it is easier to clearly identify the one-way communication. Rather than specifying a circuit configuration that ensures one-way communication within one board, it is better to specify a circuit that secures one-way communication connected to the wiring by tracing the wiring that connects the two boards. This is because it is relatively easy.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the game control board 260 and the microcomputer 710 for controlling the card unit in the card unit 700.

The card unit control board 701 includes RA
A microcomputer 710 for controlling a card unit including an M, a ROM, a CPU, and an I / O port; a switch circuit 711 for inputting detection signals from various switches to the microcomputer 710 for controlling a card unit;
A display circuit 712 for outputting display control signals output from the card unit control microcomputer 710 to various displays, and a signal exchange between the card unit control microcomputer 710 and the game control board 260 And a signal circuit 214 composed of a photocoupler.

The switch circuit 711 has a lend button 72
3, a lending switch 713 for detecting the operation of the third button, a return switch 714 for detecting the operation of the return button 722, a fraction display switch 715, and a lending setting switch 716 are connected.

The display circuit 712 includes a unit usable indicator 717, a card insertion indicator 718, and a connection direction indicator 7.
19 and the card balance indicator 720 are connected.

The game control board 260 is provided with a signal circuit 259 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the card unit control board 701. A unit connection signal (VL), a unit operation signal (BRDY), a request signal (BRQ), a completion signal (EX)
S) and the operation signal (PRDY) are exchanged as follows.

That is, when the card unit 700 is correctly connected to the slot machine 1, a unit connection signal (VL) is output from the card unit control board 701 to the game control board 260. On condition that there is an input of the unit connection signal (VL), the slot machine 1 enters a state where a game can be played.
When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the CP
An operation signal (PRDY) is output from U251 to the microcomputer 710 for controlling the card unit.
Next, when the lending button 723 is operated after the prepaid card is accepted on the card unit 700 side, a unit operation signal (BRDY) is output from the card unit control microcomputer 710 to the CPU 251. When a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point, a request signal (BRQ) is output from the card unit control microcomputer 710 to the CPU 251. At this time, during the game (until the payout is completed after the operation of betting a medal or credit)
If not, a lending preparation signal is output from the CPU 251 to the card unit controlling microcomputer 710. In response, the card unit control microcomputer 710 turns off the lending request signal (BRQ).
Thus, the lending command signal is output from the card unit control microcomputer 710 to the CPU 251. However, loan request signal (BRQ)
Is being played at the time when is output from the card unit controlling microcomputer 710 to the CPU 251, the CPU 251 does not output a lending preparation signal,
The lending request signal (BRQ) is ignored. Therefore, during the game, the lending button operation is invalidated.

When the lending command signal is input, the CPU 251 executes a credit addition updating process. If the credit number has already reached the upper limit “50” when executing the addition update processing, or if the credit number has reached the upper limit during the credit addition update processing, the credit is reduced. A payout control command is output to the payout control board 360 instead of adding and updating more than that, and the payout control board 360 is controlled to pay out medals.

When the credit update processing corresponding to the lending command signal is completed, the CPU 251 outputs a lending completion signal (EXS) to the microcomputer 710 for controlling the card unit. Upon receiving this signal, the microcomputer 710 for controlling the card unit updates the card balance.

As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the CPU 251 of the game control board 260
0, and in order to directly receive the lending command signal exchanged for the debit of the prepaid card balance, the game control means (CPU 251), which substantially controls the game, directly grasps information related to the game. it can. For this reason, for example, after inputting the request information to the payout control board 360 and the like, it bypasses the payout control board 360 and the like, and outputs the lending command signal or the generation information generated by the payout control board 360 and the like based on the lending command signal. CPU 251 of game control board 260
The configuration can be simplified as compared with a configuration in which the information is input again.

According to the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the value obtained by exchanging the lending request information output from the information recording medium processing device with the debit of valuable value without inputting it to the game control means. In order to be able to control the application,
There is no need to provide an information transmission route from the information recording medium processing device to the game control means. As a result, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the illegal operation of the game control means caused by inputting illegal data to the game control means by abusing the information transmission route from the information recording medium processing device to the game control means. .

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between the image display control board 660 and the game control board 260.

The image display control board 660 includes a CPU 66
1, control data ROM 662, VDP (Video Display
Processor) 663, DA conversion circuit 664, input buffer circuit 665, reset circuit 666 for resetting VDP103, oscillation circuit 667 for supplying an operation clock to VDP103, VRAM (Video Random Acc.)
ess memory) 668, a character ROM 669 for storing frequently used image data (an image composed of a person, an animal, a character, a figure or a symbol), and a noise filter 671.

The CPU 661 as display control means is provided separately from the CPU 251 as game control means. This makes it possible to reduce the control load on the game control means as compared with the case where the game control means also performs display control. The CPU 661 for display control includes a game control board 260 on which the CPU 251 as game control means is mounted.
It is mounted on a separate board. Thereby, the game control board 260 is downsized. Further, the image display control board 660 can be diverted as it is, and only the game control board 260 can be replaced, and the slot machine having a different game content can be remodeled, so that the control board can be used effectively.

From the output port (port A) 249a of the game control board 260, a display control command of 8 bits ×
2 is output, and an output port (port B) 249 is output.
b outputs a 1-bit INT signal.

CPU 661 on image display control board 660 side
Operates according to a program stored in the control data ROM 662, and receives a display control command via the input buffer circuit 665 when an INT signal is input from the game control board 260 via the noise filter 671 and the input buffer circuit 665. I do. As the input buffer circuit 665, for example, 74HC244 which is a general-purpose IC can be used.

The CPU 661 sends a CRT (Cath) constituting the effect device 670 in accordance with the received display control command.
ode Ray Tube) Controls the display of the display screen. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is sent to the VDP663.
Give to. VDP 663 reads necessary data from character ROM 669. The VDP 663 generates image data to be displayed on the CRT display 670 according to the input data, and stores the image data in the VRAM 668. Then, the image data in the VRAM 668 is
The signals are converted into R, G, B signals, converted into analog signals by a DA converter 664, and output to a CRT display 670.

The input buffer circuit 665 can pass a signal only in the direction from the game control board 260 to the image display control board 660. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the image display control board 660 side to the game control board 260 side. Even if a circuit in the image display control board 660 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 260 side. In addition,
The outputs of the output ports 249a and 249b may be output to the image display control board 660 as they are, but by providing the output buffer circuit 263 capable of transmitting signals only in one direction, the game control board 260 allows the image display control board 66
One-way signal transmission to 0 can be more reliably performed. Further, a noise filter 671 for blocking a high frequency signal
For example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used. However, even if the display control command includes noise between the substrates due to the presence of the noise filter 671, the effect is eliminated.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between the lamp control board 560 and the game control board 260.

The lamp control board 560 includes a CPU 56
1, input buffer circuit 562, I / O port 563, lamp circuit 564, LED circuit 565, RAM 566, R
An OM567 is provided. CP as lamp control means
U561 is provided separately from the CPU 251 as game control means. This makes it possible to reduce the control load on the game control means as compared with the case where the game control means also performs ramp control. Also, a CPU 56 for lamp control
1 is mounted on a board different from the game control board 260 on which the CPU 251 as game control means is mounted. Thereby, the game control board 260 is downsized. Further, the lamp control board 560 can be diverted as it is, and only the game control board 260 can be replaced to be remodeled into a slot machine having a different game content, so that the control board can be used effectively.

The lamp circuit 564 includes game effect lamps 219 to 227 provided in various game effect lamp sections,
Active line display lamps 228 to 232 provided in each of the betting ramp units 18 to 22 and the game overlamp unit 13
, A replay lamp 234 provided in the replay lamp unit 14,
Weight lamp 2 provided in weight lamp section 15
35, a start lamp 236 provided in the start lamp section 16, an insert medal lamp 237 provided in the insert medal lamp section 17, and a stop button unit 300 corresponding to the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R. Provided left, middle, and right effective lamps (button LEDs 341L, 341C, 341R);
A button unit lamp (LED for unit) 340 for illuminating the game effect lamp unit 34, and a lamp 26 in the reel
1 are connected.

The LED circuit 565 includes a game number display 216, a credit display 217, and a payout number display 2.
18 are connected. The game number display 21
Reference numeral 6 denotes a display device for displaying the number-of-games display unit 25, and a credit display unit 217 is a display device for displaying the number-of-credits display unit 24.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a display device for displaying the payout display unit 26.

The ramp control command is transmitted to the game control board 26.
0 (output ports C and D) 249c,
249d. The output port 249c outputs 8-bit × 2-bit data as control command data, and the output port 249d outputs a 1-bit INT signal. In the lamp control board 560, a lamp control command output from the game control board 260 is input to the CPU 561 via the input buffer circuit 562.
For example, the lamp control command includes device specifying identification information indicating which of the lamps / displays is specified, and a lighting pattern indicating which of a plurality of lighting patterns is specified. And identification information for designation. The CPU 561 responds to each lamp control command by
The control target device and the lighting pattern are specified, and a control signal corresponding to the specified result is output to the lamp / device. In addition,
The light-on / light-off pattern is stored in the ROM 567.

For example, the CPU on the game control board 260 side
When the credit number is updated, the lamp control command 251 outputs to the lamp control board 560 a lamp control command including identification information for specifying the credit indicator 217 and identification information for specifying the number of credits. The CPU 561 of the lamp control board 560 updates the display on the credit indicator 217 according to the lamp control command.

Alternatively, the CPU on the game control board 260 side
When the flash pattern of the lamp 261 in the reel described above is determined, the lamp control command including the identification information for device designation for designating the lamp 261 in reel and the lighting pattern designation identification information for designating the flash pattern is transmitted to the lamp control board. 560. The CPU 561 of the lamp control board 560 flashes the in-reel lamp 261 according to the lamp control command.

In lamp control board 560, as input buffer circuit 562, for example, a general-purpose CMOS
IC (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Inte
grated circuit) 74HC244 is used.
A low level (GND level) is always applied to the enable terminal of the 74HC244. Therefore, the output level of each buffer is the input level, that is, the game control board 2
The signal level has been fixed to 60. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the lamp control board 560 side to the game control board 260 side. For example, even if a circuit in the lamp control board 560 is modified illegally, a signal output by the illegal modification is not transmitted to the game control board 260 side. For example, in the lamp control board 560,
Even if the CPU 251 of the game control board 260 is modified to give an illegal signal for causing a big hit, the illegal signal cannot be transmitted to the game control board 260 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuit 562.

Further, in the game control board 260, the buffer circuit 26 is provided outside the output ports 249c and 249d.
2b is provided. As the buffer circuit 262b,
For example, 74HC244 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC
Is used. The enable terminal always has a low level (G
ND level). According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the game control board 260 is blocked, a signal line to which a signal may be given from the ramp control board 560 to the game control board 260 is more reliably formed. Can be eliminated.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between the voice control board 460 and the game control board 260. The voice control board 460 includes a CPU 461, a voice synthesis circuit 462, a volume switching circuit 463, a volume amplification circuit 464,
Input buffer circuit 465, ROM 466, and RA
M467 is provided. As shown in the drawing, the CPU 461 as the sound control means is provided with the CP as the game control means.
It is provided separately from U251. This makes it possible to reduce the control load on the game control means as compared with the case where the game control means also performs voice control. Further, the CPU 461 as the voice control means is provided with a CPU as the game control means.
The game control board 260 is mounted on a board different from the game control board 260 on which the game control board 251 is mounted. Thereby, the game control board 260 is downsized. Further, the voice control board 46
It is also possible to convert the game control board 260 to a slot machine having a different game content by exchanging only the game control board 260, and to effectively use the control board.

The voice control command is transmitted to the game control board 260
Is output from the output port (output port E) 249e. The voice control command includes 8 bits × 2 data as control command data and 1-bit INT
Signal. In the audio control board 460, the audio control command is transmitted to the CP via the input buffer circuit 465.
It is input to U461.

The voice control command specifies which of the various effect sound patterns is to be used for outputting the sound effect. Data indicating the correspondence between the voice control command and the sound effect pattern is stored in the ROM 466.
Is stored in The CPU 461 identifies the voice control command, specifies the corresponding sound effect pattern, and outputs a control signal capable of specifying the specified sound effect pattern to the voice synthesis circuit 4.
62.

The speech synthesis circuit 462 is a speech synthesis LSI.
(Large Scale Integrated circuit), and has a built-in voice ROM (not shown) in which voice control data is stored. The voice ROM stores not only human voices, but also animal voices, PCM data obtained by recording natural sounds and body sounds, and the like. The voice synthesizing circuit 462 reads out the sound control data from the voice ROM in response to the control signal given from the CPU 461 and, for example, PCM (Pulse Code Modulation).
) Method or ADPCM (Adaptive Differenti
al Pulse Code Modulation), and performs processing to output a synthesized sound to the volume switching circuit 463.

The volume switching circuit 463 sets the output level to a level corresponding to the set volume, and
4 is output. Volume amplification circuit 464 outputs the amplified audio signal to speakers 36, 240, and 241.

By using the voice synthesizing circuit 462, various sound effects can be generated. In the case where a continuously changing sound effect such as a melody or a sound is output from the speakers 36, 240, and 241, the game control board 260 sends a sound control board 460 to the sound control board 460 at a time when the sound effect is desired to be generated. , It is sufficient to send only one voice control command that specifies the sound effect pattern.
In response to the voice control command, the voice control board 460 only needs to output a control signal capable of specifying a sound effect pattern to be output, and designates a pitch and a sound length included in the sound effect pattern one by one. Since there is no need to perform the processing, the sound control burden on the game control board 260 and the sound control board 460 is reduced.

That is, the conventional slot machine does not use the above-described voice synthesizing circuit, but uses a sound generator or the like. When a melody or the like of a predetermined pattern is output from a speaker, the pattern is not used. Has been specified for the sound generator one by one for the pitch and the sound length included in the slot machine, there is a problem that the sound control burden increases. In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, Such a problem is solved. This also allows the game control board 2
On the 60 side, a large ability can be allocated by the game control, so that there is an effect that more advanced game control can be performed.

Further, as input buffer circuit 465, for example, 74HC244 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC is used. A low level (GND level) is always applied to the enable terminal of the 74HC244. Therefore, the output level of each buffer is determined as the input level, that is, the signal level from the game control board 260. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the voice control board 460 to the game control board 260. Therefore, even if a circuit in the voice control board 460 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 260 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuit 465.

Further, on the game control board 260 side,
A buffer circuit 262c is provided outside the output port 249e. For example, 74HC244, which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC, is used as buffer circuit 262c. The enable terminal is always given a low level (GND level). According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the game control board 260 is blocked, the game control board 2
A signal line to which a signal can be given to 60 can be more reliably eliminated.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the payout control board 360 and the game control board 260. The payout control board 360 includes a CPU 361, an input buffer circuit 362, an I / O port 363, and a motor circuit 24.
4 are provided. To the motor circuit 244, a medal payout motor 75 provided in the hopper unit 66 (see FIG. 2) is connected.

As shown, the CP as the payout control means
U361 is provided separately from the CPU 251 as game control means. This makes it possible to reduce the control load on the game control means as compared with the case where the game control means also performs payout control. Also, a CPU as a payout control unit
361 is mounted on a board different from the game control board 260 on which the CPU 251 as game control means is mounted. Thereby, the game control board 260 is downsized. Further, the payout control board 360 can be diverted as it is, and only the game control board 260 can be replaced to be remodeled into a slot machine having a different game content, so that the control board can be used effectively.

The payout control command is transmitted to the game control board 260
Output port (output port F) 249f. The payout control command includes 8 bits × 2 data as control command data and 1-bit INT
Signal. In the payout control board 360, the payout control command is transmitted to the CP via the input buffer circuit 362.
It is input to U361.

As the payout control commands, a payout designation command for designating the start of driving of the medal payout motor 75, a payout stop designation command for designating a stop of the medal payout motor 75, and a reverse rotation drive of the medal payout motor 75 are designated. There is a payout abnormality recovery designation command. The CPU 361 outputs a drive signal to the motor circuit 244 based on receiving the payout designation command to start paying out medals. Thereafter, based on receiving the payout stop designation command, the output of the drive signal to the motor circuit 244 is stopped, and the payout of medals is completed.

Input port 249g of game control board 260
Has a card unit 700 and a payout medal sensor 21
0 is connected. CPU on the game control board 260 side
251 indicates that the credit amount exceeds the upper limit value when the addition and update of the credit number is continued based on the request from the card unit 700, or the credit amount is increased when the addition and update of the credit amount is continued based on the occurrence of the prize. If the number exceeds the credit number, the payout designation command is output to the payout control board 360 instead of continuing the credit number addition update.

After outputting the payout designation command, the CPU 251 receives the detection signal of the payout medal sensor 210 and starts counting the number of payouts of medals. Then, when the counted value reaches a predetermined scheduled number of payouts, a payout stop designation command is output to the payout control board 360 to stop paying out medals. If the count value does not reach the expected number of payouts even after the predetermined time has elapsed, a payout abnormality recovery designation command is output, and if a medal clog has occurred,
Let it go away. It should be noted that the payout medal sensor 2 is output even if a predetermined time has elapsed after the output of the payout abnormality recovery designation command.
When the detection signal is not input from 10, it is determined that the medals in the hopper are gone, and a display control command for displaying the effect on the effect device 670 is output, and a sound effect for notifying the effect by sound is output. Outputs a voice control command to be output.

As shown by the broken line in the figure, the payout medal sensor 210 is connected to the I / O port 3 on the payout control board 360 side.
63, and the CPU 361 on the payout control board 360 side.
May be configured to count the number of paid out medals. In the case of such a configuration, for example, the scheduled payout number of medals may be designated by a payout control command. In this case, the CPU 361 on the payout control board 360 side
Calculates the number of medals to be paid out using the detection signal of the paid-out medal sensor 210, and when the number of medals to be paid out specified by the payout control command is reached, the motor circuit 2
The output of the drive signal to 44 is stopped, and the payout of medals is terminated. In this case, the payout medal sensor 210 may also be connected to the input port 249g of the game control board 260 to count the payout number of medals on the game control board 260 side. . In this way, by counting the number of payouts of medals by both control boards, it becomes possible to confirm the payout state of medals by both control means.

As the input buffer circuit 362 on the payout control board 360 side, for example, a general-purpose CMOS-IC
74HC244 is used. Low level (GND level) is always applied to the enable terminal of 74HC244.
Is given. Therefore, the output level of each buffer is determined as the input level, that is, the signal level from the game control board 260. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the payout control board 360 to the game control board 260.
Therefore, even if a circuit in the payout control board 360 is modified illegally, a signal output by the illegal modification is not transmitted to the game control board 260 side.

Further, on the game control board 260 side,
A buffer circuit 262d is provided outside the output port 249f. For example, 74HC244, which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC, is used as buffer circuit 262d. The enable terminal is always given a low level (GND level). According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the game control board 260 is blocked, the payout control board 360
A signal line to which a signal can be given to 60 can be more reliably eliminated.

FIG. 11 shows a power supply board 650 and each control board 2.
It is a block diagram which shows the connection relationship with 60,360,460,560,660. As shown in FIG. 11, an AC power supply (A
C24V), and a power supply circuit 651 that generates various voltages required in each control board is mounted.
The power generated by the power supply circuit 651 is
2, each control board 260, 360, 460, 56
0,660. Therefore, when a failure occurs in the slot machine, the power supply route can be cut off by the power switch 652, and the power supply to all the boards can be stopped immediately. Although only the DC voltage is shown in FIG. 11, AC 24 V is also supplied to each of the control boards 260, 360, 460, 560, and 660 as necessary.

The game control board (main control board) 260 includes:
For example, DC 30 V and DC 12 V are supplied.
For example, DC 12 V is supplied to the audio control board 460. The lamp control board 560 includes, for example, DC3
0V, DC21V and DC12V are supplied. The payout control board 360 includes, for example, DC30 and DC1.
2V is supplied. For example, DC 30 V and D
C5V is supplied. Since the image display control board 660 is supplied with power via the game control board 260, a slot machine having a CRT display like this machine and a CRT
The same power supply board 650 can be used for both a slot machine without a display (for example, a sibling of this machine). Therefore, one type of power supply board 650 can be effectively used. Instead of this, similarly to the other control boards, the power may be supplied directly from the power supply board 650 to the image display control board 660 (without passing through the game control board 260).

As shown in FIG. 11, power supply circuit 651
Is mounted on a power supply board 650 different from the control board such as the game control board 260, so that the configuration of the control board can be simplified and the size of the control board can be reduced. Further, when the game control board 260 is replaced with a new one to provide a slot machine with new game contents, the power supply circuit 651 can be left as it is in the slot machine 1 for effective use.

Further, as shown by "DG" in FIG. 11, each of the control boards 260, 360, 460, 560, 66
The ground side of the voltage supplied to the power supply substrate 650
Is commonly used in Therefore, each control board 26
Ground levels at 0, 360, 460, 560, and 660 are common. For this reason, when transmitting a signal from one substrate to another substrate, it is not necessary to use a non-contact information transmission means such as a photocoupler in consideration of the fact that the ground levels of both substrates are different.
Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the types of sound effects. Hereinafter, various sound effects will be described with reference to the drawings.

The BET sound is a single sound (one sound) during the betting operation.
This is the sound effect output by. The start sound is a sound effect that is output as a sound such as “start” when the start lever 33 is operated after the bet amount is set. The start sound notifies the start of a new game. The start sound includes a normal start sound and a special start sound. The special start sound is the game control board 26
This is a sound effect that is output when the winning notice flag is set by the game control of the CPU 251 on the 0 side, for example, a sound effect such as “Is it a start big bonus win?” Or “Is a start regular bonus win?” . On the other hand, the normal start sound is a sound effect that is output when the winning notice flag is not set, and is a sound effect of only “start”. Note that the winning announcement flag may be set even when the internal winning is not actually performed, but may be set only when the internal winning is actually performed instead. .

The stop sound is a sound effect output when the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R are pressed to stop the reels, and the content of the sound effect differs for each of the middle left and right stop buttons. For example, with the left stop button 29L, "Left reel stop", the middle stop button 29
C outputs a sound effect of “middle reel stop” and the right stop button 29R outputs a sound effect of “right reel stop”.

The wait sound is a sound effect output when the start lever 33 is operated during the above-mentioned wait time to notify that the operation is invalid due to the wait time. As with the start sound, there are two types of wait sounds, “normal” and “special”. The special wait sound is a sound effect that is output when the above-mentioned winning notice flag is set, and, for example, an effect such as “Is a big bonus during the wait time?” Or “A regular bonus during the wait time?” It is a sound. On the other hand, the normal start sound is a sound effect that is output when the winning notice flag is not set, and is a sound effect only for “during wait time”. Note that the winning announcement flag may be set even when the internal winning is not actually performed, but may be set only when the internal winning is actually performed instead. .

The reel sound is a sound effect output while the reel is rotating. As the reel sound, a predetermined melody sound is employed.

[0138] The slip sound is generated by each stop button 29L, 2
This is a sound effect that is output after a press operation on 9C and 29R and before the reel corresponding to each stop button stops. In the slot machine 1, as described above, the pull-in control of the reels is executed. Therefore, the timing of the operation of each stop button 29L, 29C, 29R and the timing of the stop of the fluctuation of each reel 23L, 23C, 23R are as follows. They do not always match, for example, a maximum of 190 ms (for four symbols) from the time when the button operation is detected
In some cases, the reel may continue to rotate until elapses. Such a state in which the reel continues to rotate within a maximum range of 190 ms is called "slip". As this slippery sound,
For example, it is conceivable to employ a melody sound in which the pitch shifts from a high pitch to a low pitch.

The flag establishment notification sound is a sound effect that is output when no winning is made when all reels are stopped despite the above-described winning flag being set. The flag establishment notification sound is, for example, a sound effect such as “Big Bonus Win” or “Regular Bonus Win”.

The error sound is, for example, a sound effect output when a medal payout error such that a medal cannot be paid out from the hopper due to a medal clogging or a shortage of medals, or another error occurs. For example, in the case of a medal payout error, a sound effect sound of “medal payout error occurred” is output.

The effect device sound is a sound effect corresponding to the motion of the character displayed on the effect device 670 and other images displayed on the effect device 670. The sound effects include a character's dialogue, melody, and sound.
For example, when the character displayed on the effect device 670 performs a notice operation of a big bonus win or a regular bonus win, a "big bonus win?" Or "regular bonus win?"
Sound effects such as sound are output. Further, if no winning is made when all reels are stopped, and the reel arrangement is a predetermined “reach eye”, the character displayed on the effect device 670 performs an operation to notify the effect. , A sound effect such as “reach eyes” is output in accordance with the operation. Here, "reach eyes"
Is an outcome which is displayed only when the big bonus winning flag or the bonus winning flag is set by the control inside the slot machine. By deriving the reach, the player can recognize that the big bonus winning flag or the bonus winning flag is set.

The reach sound is a sound effect output when the reach is established. This sound effect differs depending on the type of reach, such as the reach related to the big bonus prize and the reach related to the regular bonus prize. For example, in the case of the reach related to the big bonus prize, a sound effect of “big bonus reach” is output, and in the case of the reach related to the regular bonus prize, a sound effect of “regular bonus reach” is output. As described above, when the reach is established, the type of the reach is notified by voice, so that the player can easily grasp that the reach has been established and the content of the reach.

A payout sound is output when a medal is paid out from the hopper. The payout sound is output with a single tone each time one medal is paid out. Instead of this,
Each time one medal is paid out, "1", "2", "3"
The number of sheets may be notified by voice, such as "sheets".

The winning sound is a sound effect output when a winning is made. The winning sound differs depending on whether the winning is a big bonus, a regular bonus, or a JACIN winning in a big bonus game. More specifically, the name of each winning type is output as voice, and a unique melody sound corresponding to the type of winning is output. In this manner, when a prize is won, the fact is notified by voice, so that the player can easily grasp that the prize has been won. In addition, since the type of the prize is specifically notified by voice, the degree of appeal to surrounding players can be increased, and the satisfaction of the player who has generated the prize can be improved.

The special game state end sound is a sound effect output when the “special game state advantageous to the player” in which the big bonus game or the regular bonus game is provided ends. Note that the special game state end sound is different when all the big bonus games are ended and when all the regular bonus games are ended. Specifically, in the former case, a sound effect of “all big bonus games end” is output, and in the latter case, a sound effect of “all regular bonus games end” is output. In the big bonus game, “JA
The sound effect of the big bonus game ends when the number of “CIN” does not reach three, and the case where the big bonus game ends after the number of “JACIN” reaches three. The content may be different.

As described above, when the special game state is ended, the fact is notified by voice, so that it is difficult to notice that the special game state is ended so that the user is absorbed in the game in the special game state. Can be noticed relatively easily.

The sound control data for synthesizing the various sound effects described above is stored in the sound ROM in the sound synthesis circuit 462 shown in FIG. As described above in detail with reference to FIG. 12, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment employs the voice synthesizing circuit 462 (see FIG. 9) to provide a sound effect by voice that is easy for the player to understand. , So that a variety of sound effects can be output, whereby a game effect with a high effect can be performed.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the second embodiment, each of the control boards 260, 360, 460, 560, 66 shown in FIG.
13 shows a modified example regarding the accommodation mode of 0. In addition,
In all respects, except that the form of accommodation is modified,
There is no difference from the embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same components as those shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the second embodiment, all the control boards 260, 360, 460, 560, 660 are accommodated in one control board box 860a. The game control board 260 and the other control boards 360, 460, 560, 660 are wired and connected in the control board box 860a. Thus, by using one control board box, it is possible to save space as compared with the case where a plurality of control board boxes are provided.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The third embodiment is a modification of the control circuit shown in FIG. 5 as the first embodiment. In addition,
In all respects, there is no difference from the first embodiment except that the configuration of the control circuit is modified as described below. 14, the same components as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG.

In the first embodiment, in addition to the game control function, various sub-control functions required for controlling the slot machine 1 (medal payout control function, various lamp / LED control functions, and the effect device 670) All of the display control function and the sound effect control function) were configured to be performed by a control board different from the game control board 260 (see FIG. 5).

However, as shown in FIG.
In the third embodiment, of the various sub-control functions, the medal payout control function is not configured to be carried by a board different from the game control board 260. Therefore, as compared with the first embodiment, the payout control board 360
Is not provided. The payout control function is also provided by the game control board 260 as the game control function. For this reason, the game control board 260 is provided with a motor circuit 244 for outputting a control signal to the medal payout motor 75.

When it becomes necessary to pay out medals, the CPU 251 of the game control board 260 directly controls the drive of the medal payout motor 75 to control the payout of medals.

According to the third embodiment, the medal payout control which is particularly important for both the player and the game arcade is controlled by the game control means (CP) which controls an important part of the game control.
In order to perform U251), it is possible to focus on one control board (game control board 251) on which the game control means is mounted and take measures for preventing improper actions related to medal payout control. As a result, fraud prevention measures can be performed relatively easily.

In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a prize is generated, the CPU 251 currently stores a predetermined number of credits according to the type of the prize. A process for adding and updating the credit amount is executed, and when the bet amount is set, a process for subtracting and updating the credit amount is executed. In other words, credit management
This is performed by the CPU 251.

Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the control circuit shown in FIG. 5 as the first embodiment. In addition,
In all respects, there is no difference from the first embodiment except that the configuration of the control circuit is modified as described below. 15, the same components as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the fourth embodiment, a sound control board 460 different from the game control board 260 is responsible for only the sound effect control function among the various sub-control functions described above. Is configured. Therefore, as compared with the first embodiment, the payout control board 360
, A lamp control board 560 and an image display control board 660
Is not provided. Then, the game control board 260 has a payout control function, a control function of various lamps / LEDs, and a display control function of the effect device 670, also serving as a game control function. Therefore, the game control board 260 includes a motor circuit 244 for outputting a control signal to the medal payout motor 75 and an L for outputting a control signal to various displays.
An ED circuit 246, a lamp circuit 247 for outputting a control signal to various lamps, and a CRT circuit 264 for outputting a control signal to a CRT display 670 are provided.

Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This fifth embodiment is a modification of the control circuit shown in FIG. 10 as the first embodiment. Note that there is no difference from the first embodiment in all respects except that the configuration of the control circuit is modified as described below. 16, the same components as those shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the card unit 700 is
And was connected. However, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG.
0 is connected to the payout control board 360. Details of the connection relation in this case can be described with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the fifth embodiment, game control board 260 shown in FIG. 6 is replaced with payout control board 360. And the payout control board 36
0 is connected to the microcomputer 710 for controlling the card unit by the unit connection signal (V).
L), a unit operation signal (BRDY), a request signal (B
RQ), a completion signal (EXS), and an operation signal (PR)
DY), and the player's lending button 72
3 (see FIG. 1).

However, as shown in FIG. 16, between the game control board 260 and the payout control board 360, only one-way communication from the game control board 260 to the payout control board 360 is possible. The payout control board 360 cannot output to the game control board 260 managing credits a signal indicating that credits should be added and updated in accordance with the debit of the prepaid card.

Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, if there is a lending request from the card unit 700, the payout control board 3
The 60 CPUs 361 are configured to perform control for paying out medals (for example, 50 medals) corresponding to the balance withdrawal amount of the prepaid card.

As shown in FIG. 16, the payout medal sensor 210 is connected to the input port 249 on the game control board 260 side.
g of the payout control board 360
It is also connected to the O port 363. Dispensing control board 36
The CPU 361 of 0 outputs a drive signal to the motor circuit 244 in order to pay out medals corresponding to the balance withdrawal amount of the prepaid card, and then calculates the number of medals paid out based on the detection signal output from the payout medal sensor 210. Counting,
The output of the drive signal to the motor circuit 244 is stopped when the number of medals reaches the number corresponding to the balance withdrawal amount.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, even if the signal output from the card unit 700 is not input to the game control board 260, the payout of coins exchanged with the withdrawal of the card balance. In order to be able to control,
Unlike the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10, there is no need to provide an information transmission route from the card unit 700 to the game control board 260. This prevents illegal transmission of a signal from the card unit 700 to the game control board 260, thereby causing incorrect data to be input to the game control board 260 and causing the CPU 251 mounted on the game control board 260 to operate improperly. It can be prevented as much as possible.

Since the detection signal of the payout medal sensor 210 is input to both the game control board 260 and the payout control board 360, it is possible to confirm the payout state of the medal by both control means.

Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The sixth embodiment is a modification of the internal prize announcement. Note that there is no difference from the first embodiment in all points such as the configuration of the control circuit, except that the control content is modified as described below.

Here, an embodiment is described in which the “reliability regarding the announcement of the internal winning” differs depending on the combination of the flash pattern of the in-reel lamp 261 and the audio announcement pattern that can be output from the speakers 36, 240 and 241. explain.

The "internal winning" means a state in which a winning flag such as a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag is set as described above. Hereafter, “Reliability regarding notice of internal winning”
Is simply referred to as “notification reliability”.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the advance notice reliability (light) using only the flash pattern and the advance notice reliability (audio) using only the audio notice pattern.

In the sixth embodiment, the in-reel lamp 261 does not win when the reels are stopped, for example, at the timing when the start lever is operated or when the above-mentioned winning flag is set. At the timing when all reels are stopped. When the lamp 261 in the reel flashes, the internal winning is notified in advance.
The notice reliability differs depending on the flash pattern (pattern 1 to pattern 5) as shown in the column of “notice reliability (light)” in FIG.

In some cases, the in-reel lamp 261 does not flash, but in this case, it is unclear to the player how much the internal winning can be expected. In other words, the reel-in lamp 261 may not be flashed even when the internal winning is performed. However, in place of this, when the internal winning is performed, the in-reel lamp 261 may always be configured to flash in one of the flash patterns.

Further, when the in-reel lamp 261 has finished flashing with a predetermined flash pattern (see FIG. 18), the speakers 36, 240 and 241 output the pattern as shown in FIG. There may be a case where a preview sound is output by voice of pattern 1 or pattern 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, even when the in-reel lamp 261 flashes, the sound effect may not be output in some cases.

As shown in FIG. 17, the relationship between the flash pattern and the audio announcement pattern and the announcement reliability is “advance reliability = advance reliability (light) + advance reliability (voice)”. .

For example, if the flash pattern is pattern 1 (notice reliability (light) = 5%) and the audio notice pattern is pattern 1 (advisory reliability (sound) = 20%), Notice reliability is 25 (25 = 5 + 20)
%. In this case, the player can expect the internal winning with a probability of 1/4. Similarly, if the flash pattern is pattern 2 (notice reliability (light) = 10%) and the audio notice pattern is pattern 2 (advisory reliability (sound) = 40%), the notice reliability The degree is 50
(50 = 10 + 40)%. In this case, the player:
You can expect to be internally won with a probability of 1/2.

As described above, by the combination of the flash pattern and the voice announcement pattern, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the internal winning can be announced with the announcement reliability in the range of 5% to 100%. In addition, as a notice medium for announcing the internal prize, a different novel notice medium of voice and light is used, and the combination of these makes the notice reliability different, so that an unprecedented novel method is used. For this reason, it is possible to expand the variation regarding the notice of the internal winning.

It is preferable that the audio announcement pattern has a content corresponding to the level of the announcement reliability (audio). Further, here, the flash pattern has been exemplified in combination with the audio notice pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image pattern (for example, a character image) displayed on the staging device (CRT display) 670 is not limited to this.
May be combined.

The timing at which the in-reel lamp 261 flashes and the timing at which the warning sound is output may be the same, or the warning sound may be output earlier and the flashing performed later.

Further, the notice shown in FIG. 17 may be used for notice of big bonus winning or notice of regular bonus winning. Alternatively, it may be used to notify that a certain type of winning flag is set without specifying the type of the winning.

Here, the notice reliability (light) defined by the flash pattern and the notice reliability (voice) defined by the audio notice pattern are added,
Although the example in which the notice reliability is calculated has been described, a configuration that reduces the notice reliability (a flash pattern or a sound notice pattern) may be included.

In addition to the addition / subtraction of the notice reliability (light) defined by the flash pattern and the notice reliability (voice) defined by the sound notice pattern, the notice reliability is calculated by multiplication or division. It can be considered that the configuration is as follows. For example, coefficients (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0) for each of various audio preview patterns
The notice reliability may be calculated by multiplying the notice reliability (light) defined by the flash pattern by a coefficient corresponding to the audio notice pattern.

Next, a specific example of the flash pattern shown in FIG. 17 will be described. FIG. 18 shows the lamp 261 in the reel.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a flash pattern of FIG. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 18, pattern 1 which is one of the flash patterns of patterns 1 to 5 will be described.
Will be described.

The in-reel lamp 261 is connected to each of the reels 23L, 23C, 2 which can be visually recognized from the see-through window 43 shown in FIG.
In correspondence with 3R, one is provided at each of the upper, middle, and lower positions, and the reel portions emit light independently from the inner peripheral side of the upper, middle, and lower portions of each reel. It is configured to be possible. As the in-reel lamp 261, the left reel 24L is provided with a lamp 1, a lamp 4, and a lamp 7, the middle reel 23C is provided with a lamp 2, a lamp 5, and a lamp 8, and the right reel 23R. Is provided with a lamp 3, a lamp 6, and a lamp 9.

FIG. 18 shows that the relative positional relationship between the lamps 1 to 9 is number 1 in a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns.
-9. These lamps 1 to 9 are
Except for flashing with any of the flash patterns 1 to 5, the lighting state is normally maintained.

The flash pattern of pattern 1 is shown in FIG.
It is indicated by a circled numeral “1 to 10” of eight. More specifically, all the lamps are simultaneously turned off from the lighting state (normal state) (), and thereafter, all the lamps are turned off at 0.
After the continuation of one second, the lamp 1, the lamp 3, and the lamp 8 change from the unlit state to the lit state (). Thereafter, after the state of 0.1 seconds continues, the lamp 1, the lamp 3, and the lamp 8 are turned off, and at the same time, the lamp 2, the lamp 6, and the lamp 7 are turned on (). Hereinafter, the lighting pattern of the in-reel lamp 261 changes every 0.1 seconds as shown.
Then, one second after the start of the flash by the pattern 1, all the lamps 1 to 9 change to the lighting state.

As described above, the pattern 1 is taken out of the plurality of types of flash patterns, and the details thereof have been described. Similarly, the patterns 2 to 5 are similarly flashed in a specific pattern. Although a specific description of the patterns 2 to 5 is omitted, for example, the flash patterns are complicated in the order of the patterns 1 to 5 so that the time required until the end of the flash pattern becomes longer, It may be possible to indicate to the player that the reliability of the notice is improved in the order of the pattern 5. Alternatively, a different message may be run for each flash pattern using a flash pattern, and the difference in the content of the message may indicate the reliability of the advance notice. In this embodiment, the in-reel lamp 261 is connected to the reels 23L, 23C, 23R in the upper, middle,
Although a total of nine are provided, one at each position in the lower row, the number may be increased. For example, corresponding to each of the reels 23L, 23C, 23R,
Four in-reel lamps 261 are arranged in a matrix at each position in the lower row, for a total of 36 lamps (4 × 3 × 3)
The in-reel lamps 261 may be arranged in a matrix so that a complicated message (for example, notification reliability itself is displayed), a shape, or the like can be displayed while traveling.

Next, modifications and features of the embodiment of the invention described above will be enumerated below.

(1) As an example of a production device, a CRT
The display 670 has been described as an example. However, C
LCD (Liquid Cryst)
al Display) display device, FED (Field Emission Displ)
ay), PDP (Plasma Display Pamel), EL (Electr
o Luminescence, a fluorescent display tube, or a display device using LEDs may be employed. Further, the present invention is not limited to such a display device. A doll or the like movable by a solenoid, a motor, or the like is arranged at a predetermined position of the slot machine 1, and causes the doll to perform a predetermined operation in response to occurrence of a prize. You may do so.

(2) MAXBET button 30, 1 sheet B
The ET button 31, the cancel button 32, the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R, and the start lever 33 constitute an operation unit that can be operated by the player. FIG.
Switches 204 to 207, 342L, and 34 shown in FIG.
2C and 342R constitute an operation unit operation detection unit that detects an operation of the operation unit. According to the block diagram shown in FIG. 5, the game control means for performing a lottery relating to the display result of the variable display device and controlling the variable display device further inputs a detection signal of the operation unit operation detection means and It is disclosed that a predetermined operation control corresponding to the operation is performed. The operation control is performed by a game control means (CPU 2) mounted on the game control board 260.
51) is configured to be executed, but instead, the detection signal of the operation unit operation detection unit is configured to be input to an operation unit control board different from the game control board, and the operation unit control board Operation unit control means (operation unit control CP
U) may execute the operation control.

(3) The slot machine 1 has a plurality of variable display sections capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and all the display results of the plurality of variable display sections are derived and displayed, whereby one game is played. Is completed, and when the display results of the plurality of variable display portions are a combination of predetermined specific identification information, a slot machine that can be controlled to a special game state advantageous to the player is configured. . The special game state is constituted by a game state in which a big bonus game or a regular bonus game is provided. The identification information is constituted by the symbols shown in FIG.

The game control means can control the game state to a predetermined bonus game based on the display results of the plurality of variable display portions. The game control means can control a game state to a predetermined big bonus game.

Each stop button 29L, 29C, 29R
Thus, an operation unit is provided which allows the player to perform an operation for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device.

(4) In the above embodiments, the relationship between the game control board 260 and other control boards is as follows.
The one-way communication from the game control board 260 to another control board is performed. However, instead of this, a signal may be input from another control board to the game control board 260. For example, in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 16, a signal can be transmitted from the payout control board 360 to the game control board 260, and if there is a lending request from the card unit 700, the payout control board 3
A signal may be output from the game control board 260 to the game control board 260 requesting the credits to be updated.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the first special game state (a game state in which a regular bonus game is provided) and the second special game state (a game state in which a big bonus game is provided) Thereby, a special game state (a special game state advantageous to the player) is configured.

However, the "special game state advantageous to the player" is not limited to this. For example, the CT state (third special game state) and the concentration state can also be cited as examples of the “game state advantageous to the player (special game state advantageous to the player)”.

Here, the CT state is, for example, a gaming state controlled after the end of the big bonus game.
This is a game state in which the reel control is basically changed from the pull-in control to non-control with a few exceptions, and the symbol is immediately stopped at the timing when the player pushes the eye. In principle, in the CT state in which the reel pull-in control is not performed, a large number of small winning combinations can be obtained compared to the game in which the reel pull-in control is performed, as long as the pushing is carefully performed.
In the CT state, when the net number of medals (the difference between the number of medals obtained in the CT state and the number of medals used in the game in the CT state) after entering the CT state exceeds a predetermined number,
Alternatively, the processing is terminated when the earlier termination condition among the number of games in the CT state reaches the predetermined number of games is satisfied. When the big bonus winning flag is set by the internal control of the slot machine and it is determined that the big bonus is to be generated, the CT state ends even if the end condition is not satisfied.

[0196] The case where the reel control is the pull-in control in the CT state means that the big bonus, the regular bonus or the replay game is determined to be generated by the control inside the slot machine, In this control, it is determined that a big bonus, a regular bonus, or a replay game is not generated, but the eye-push operation is performed at a timing of generating any of them.

The concentration state means that the probability of occurrence of a game called “single bonus game” increases,
This is a game state in which a “single bonus game” is intensively generated. The “concentration state” can also be included in the “special game state advantageous to the player”.

In this case, the first control means capable of controlling the first special game state advantageous to the player by the CPU 251 and the display result of the variable display device are in a predetermined special display mode. A second control means capable of controlling to a second special game state which is likely to be in the first special game state a predetermined number of times in a subsequent game;
When the predetermined condition is satisfied in relation to the occurrence of the special game state, the player who is different from the first special game state and the second special game state after the second special game state ends. And third control means that can be controlled to a third special game state that is advantageous to the player. In addition, according to the above-mentioned content of the game, the third control means causes at least one of the plurality of variable display sections to coincide with the operation timing of the operation means during the third special game state. It is disclosed that the display result of the variable display unit can be controlled to be derived and displayed.

A game medium is formed by medals. A case in which the CPU 251 controls the first special control state which can be controlled to a first special game state advantageous to the player, and the display result of the plurality of variable display units becomes a predetermined second special display mode. In the subsequent game, control is performed for a predetermined number of times in the second special game state, which is likely to be the first special game state.
A first condition that the number of games played in the second special game state other than the first special game state reaches a specific number of times. A second control means capable of controlling to end the second special game state when the earlier condition is satisfied, and the second control means when a predetermined third control start condition is satisfied. After the special game state is completed, at least one of the plurality of variable display units is derived and displayed with the display result of the variable display unit in accordance with the operation timing of the operation means. A third control means is provided which is capable of controlling to a third special game state in which the control is performed, and controlling to end the third special game state when a predetermined third control end condition is satisfied.

As a condition for controlling to the first special game state during the second special game state, a display result of the plurality of variable display units during the second special game state is determined by the second special game state. There is a condition that the display mode becomes one special display mode. Alternatively, as a condition for controlling to the first special game state during the second special game state, a condition that a third special display mode different from the first special display mode is used is set. Can be mentioned. Alternatively, as a condition for being controlled to the first special game state during the second special game state, a plurality of types of special display modes including the first special display mode (for example,
There may be a condition that the first special display mode or the third special display mode is any one of the first special display mode and the third special display mode.

(6) The CPU 461 mounted on the sound control board 460 receives predetermined command information from the game control means and selects a sound pattern to be output from the sound output device from a plurality of predetermined types. And sound control means for controlling output of selection information capable of specifying the selected sound pattern. Voice synthesis circuit 46
2 constitutes a voice synthesizing unit that synthesizes a sound having a pattern corresponding to the selection information output from the sound control unit. The voice synthesizing means includes a voice synthesizing circuit (voice synthesizing circuit 462) capable of synthesizing voice. The voice is a concept that includes not only human voice but also voice of non-human animal.

(7) FIG. 12 illustrates the types of sound effects, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
If the maximum number (three) of medals or the maximum number of credits of "3" is bet, a special sound effect is output so that the maximum betting game is set. It may be configured to notify the user. The notification sound may be a specific melody sound, or may sound to notify that “max bet setting” has been performed.

Further, regarding the "reach sound" shown in FIG. 12, the type of the "reach sound" may be different depending on the position of the reel where the reach is established. For example, when a reach is established between the left reel and the right reel, a sound effect of “left and right reel reach” is output, and when a reach is established between the left reel and the center reel, “left middle reel reach” is output. Is configured to output a sound effect.

(8) Referring to FIG. 9, game control board 2
It is assumed that a voice control command designating a sound effect pattern is transmitted from 60 to the voice control board 460 when a certain sound effect is desired to be generated, but the sound effect pattern and the sound effect are generated. A voice control command specifying the time may be transmitted.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, since the various sub-control functions are distributed on a board different from the game control board 260, the ROM 25 of the game control board 260
It is sufficient to store only the control program relating to the game control in the second, for example, and it is possible to increase the number of reach eyes and the types of flash patterns described above, for example.

(10) The game control means can store use value information (credit) usable for the game. The game control means may include an information recording medium (a prepaid card) on which information (balance information recorded on the prepaid card) capable of specifying a value owned by the player is recorded.
Recording medium processing device (card unit 70)
When the predetermined lending request information (lending command information) exchanged for the debit of the valuable value from 0) is output, the lending request information is received and the use value information is updated.

(11) In each of the embodiments described above, the credit as an example of the use value information is configured to be managed on the game control board 260 side. That is, the CPU 251 of the game control board 260 stores the credit in a predetermined area of the RAM 254, adds and updates the credit amount in response to a winning or a request from the card unit 700, and sets or updates the bet amount in accordance with a bet amount setting or settlement operation. The credit number is subtracted and updated.

However, such credit management may be performed on both the game control board 260 and the payout control board 360, or only on the payout control board 360.

For example, the CPU on the payout control board 360 side
A control 361 controls addition and updating of credits stored in the RAM of the payout control board 360 in response to a winning or a request from the card unit 700. In this case, regarding the winning, a command capable of specifying the number of credits to be added is transmitted from the game control board 260 to the payout control board 37. On the other hand, regarding the request from the card unit 700, the payout control board 37 may directly communicate with and receive the card unit 700, or
You may make it receive via the game control board 260 which communicates with the card unit 700.

Further, the CPU 36 on the payout control board 360 side
1 subtracts and updates the credit amount according to the setting of the bet amount or the settlement operation. In this case, it is conceivable that a command capable of specifying the number of credits to be subtracted is transmitted from the game control board 260 to the payout control board 37.

(12) The effect device 670 (CRT display) 670 has been described as an example of the effect device provided to visually enhance the effect of the game. However, the rendering device provided to visually enhance the rendering effect of the game is not limited to this, and may be a dot matrix display or a 7-segment display. Furthermore, as the effect device, a variable display device for effect provided with a variable display member such as a reel or a belt different from the variable display device 60,
For example, when an internal winning is achieved, the display result of the effect variable display device may be a predetermined hit result. Thereby, the presence or absence of the internal winning can be notified to the player based on the display result of the variable display device for effect. In this case, even when the internal winning is not performed, the display result of the variable display device for staging may be configured to win, so that the display result according to the reliability of the internal winning is derived. You may comprise.

(13) In the above embodiment, the sound output device (speaker) can at least cause the variable display device to derive and display a predetermined display mode (a display mode that becomes a big bonus or a regular bonus). When a certain condition (internal winning) is satisfied, a predetermined notification sound by sound (a special start sound, a special wait sound, and a flag establishment notification sound shown in FIG. 12) can be output. Here, the notification sound is an audio notification sound (for example, a special start sound (see FIG. 12)) related to a big bonus winning, a regular bonus winning, and the like.

The notification sound may be output only when the internal winning is actually performed, and may not be output when the internal winning is not performed. It may be configured so that even if the output is not performed, it may be output as a “set”. In addition, the configuration may be such that the notification sound is always output when the internal winning is actually performed, and there is a case where the notification sound is output even when the internal winning is actually performed. May be. In addition, in the case where it is configured that the output may be made as “glance” even if the internal winning is not actually performed, the type of the audio notification sound may be changed according to the reliability. Good.

Further, the output timing of the notification sound is as follows: when the start lever 33 is operated, when any one of the stop buttons 29L, 29C, 29R is operated, regardless of whether the internal winning is performed. Either of the times when the game ends without the display result according to the winning being derived and displayed.

(14) In the above-described embodiment, the combination of the sound output state from the speaker (no sound, notice sound pattern 1, notice sound pattern 2) and the flash pattern by the lamp in the reel makes the notice reliability higher. Although a plurality of different types of effects are performed, the "notice means" that can be combined with the audio notice pattern output from the speaker is not limited to the in-reel lamp. For example, a figure displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or a variable display device for performance provided with a variable display member such as a reel or a belt different from the variable display device 60. , Characters, etc., and a voice announcement pattern may be combined. Alternatively, an operation pattern of a doll or the like arranged at a predetermined position of the slot machine 1 and movable by a solenoid, a motor, or the like, may be combined with an audio notice pattern. In these cases, a sound that can be recognized by the player's hearing and a shape, pattern, and color that can be recognized by the player's vision are combined.

Alternatively, when the entire machine or a part of the slot machine (for example, buttons, reels, etc. operated by the player) is vibrated in a predetermined vibration pattern, the notice is given. A combination of the vibration pattern and the audio notice pattern may be used to perform a plurality of types of effects with different notice reliability.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is made such that the notice reliability is different depending on the type of combination with the flash pattern by the lamp in the reel. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May have the same advance notice reliability, and similarly, the plurality of types of audio advance notice patterns may have the same advance notice reliability. In this case, no matter what kind of flash pattern is combined with the sound notice pattern, the notice reliability is all the same. However, even with such a configuration, the advance notice is performed independently by two kinds of advance notice media of voice and light, so that a variety of notice modes can be increased, and the playability can be improved.

With the in-reel lamp 261 described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, "when at least the result of the lottery is the winning mode, it is possible to notify that effect in a manner different from the sound output. Notification device ". In this case, the notification mode different from the sound output means a flash pattern. However, as the notification device, as in the lamp 261 in the reel, a flash pattern is displayed to notify “the winning or the possibility of winning” (at least the result of the lottery is the winning mode. In the case of, the effect is notified to the user). However, as described above, a display that can be visually recognized by the player, such as an image or an operation of a structure such as a doll, is used. A display device capable of notifying in a predetermined display mode that "there is a win or a possibility of a win (at least when the result of the lottery is the win mode)". It may be. Alternatively, as described above, the player is caused to experience a predetermined vibration, and the player is notified that the player has won the game or that there is a possibility of winning (at least when the result of the lottery is the winning mode, To the effect), a vibration device capable of notifying in a predetermined vibration mode may be used.

That is, the "notification device capable of notifying the user at least when the result of the lottery is the winning mode in a notification mode different from the sound output" is based on the change of light, image, or structure ( This is a concept including a display device for notifying by a doll operation) and a vibration device for notifying in a predetermined vibration mode.

(15) The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0221]

(1) The variable display device (reel unit) 60 constitutes a variable display device whose display state can be changed. Game control board 2
The CPU 251 mounted on 60 constitutes game control means for performing a lottery relating to the display result of the variable display device and controlling the variable display device. As described above, the CPU 251 extracts the value of the random counter stored in the RAM 252 and performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not the extracted value matches a predetermined winning value. Further, as shown in FIG.
Controls the left middle right reel drive motors 213L, C, R,
The variable display device (reel unit) 60 is controlled.

CPU 3 mounted on payout control board 360
61, receives predetermined command information from the game control means,
Value providing control means for performing value providing control for providing the player with a value object or value information exchangeable with the value object is configured. The instruction information is constituted by a payout control command. The medal constitutes the value object. The credit constitutes value information that can be exchanged for the value object. In addition, the value object is not limited to a medal which is an example of a game medium,
It may be a predetermined prize that cannot be used for a game.

The game control board 260 constitutes a game control board on which the game control means is mounted. The payout control board 360 is provided separately from the game control board, and constitutes a value giving control board on which the value giving control means is mounted.

(2) As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, a card unit 700 is connected to the slot machine 1.
Then, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the card unit 700 outputs a lending command signal for requesting credit or medal exchange in exchange for debiting the card balance (card balance) from the prepaid card. .
According to this content, the slot machine accepts an information recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value owned by the player is recorded and exchanges the value object or the value information in exchange for the deduction of the value. It is disclosed that the apparatus is connected to an information recording medium processing device that outputs request information to be given to the information recording medium.

The card unit 700 constitutes the information recording medium processing device. The information recording medium is constituted by a prepaid card. The information which can specify the value owned by the player is constituted by the card balance (card balance) information recorded on the prepaid card. The valuable value is constituted by the card balance (card balance). The request information is constituted by a lending command signal.

As described with reference to FIG. 6, the game control means (the CPU 251 of the game control board 260) communicates with the information recording medium processing device (card unit 700), and transmits the request information (lending command signal). To receive.

(3) As described with reference to FIG.
The card unit 700 is connected to the slot machine 1. Then, from the card unit 700, a lending command signal for requesting the credit or medal exchange in exchange for the debit of the card balance from the prepaid card is output. According to this content, the slot machine accepts an information recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value owned by the player is recorded and exchanges the value object or the value information in exchange for the deduction of the value. It is disclosed that the apparatus is connected to an information recording medium processing device that outputs request information to be given to the information recording medium.

As described with reference to FIG. 16, the value assignment control means (the CPU 36 of the payout control board 360)
1) The information recording medium processing device (card unit 7)
00) and receives the request information (lending command signal).

(4) As described with reference to FIG.
The payout control board 360 is provided with an input buffer circuit 362, and the game control board 260 is provided with an output buffer 262d, and the game control means (game control board 26
0, and the value providing control means (the CPU 361 mounted on the payout control board 360) transmits information by one-way communication from the game control means to the value providing control means. It is.

The payout medal sensor 210 constitutes detecting means for detecting the giving of the value object by the value giving control means. As described with reference to FIG. 10 or FIG. 16, the detection means (payout medal sensor 2)
10) outputs a detection signal to both the game control means and the value provision control means.

(5) The speakers 36, 240 and 241 constitute a sound output device capable of outputting sound. The CPU 461 mounted on the audio control board 460 constitutes a sound control unit that receives predetermined command information from the game control unit and controls the sound output device. The command information is constituted by a voice control command.

The sound control board 460 is provided separately from the game control board, and constitutes a sound control board on which the sound control means is mounted.

(6) "Gaming effect lamps 219 to 22"
7, valid line display lamps 228 to 232, game over lamp 233, replay lamp 234, weight lamp 235, start lamp 236, insert medal lamp 237, left, middle and right valid lamps 341L and 341.
C, 341R, button unit lamp 340, in-reel lamp 261, LED of game number display 216, LED of credit display 217, L of payout number display 218
ED "constitutes a predetermined luminous body.

CPU mounted on lamp control board 560
The light emitting element control means 561 receives predetermined command information from the game control means and controls the light emitting element. The command information is configured by a lamp control command.

[0235] The lamp control board 560 is provided separately from the game control board, and constitutes a luminous body control board on which the luminous body control means is mounted.

(7) The effect device 670 constitutes an effect device provided separately from the variable display device in order to visually enhance the effect of the game. The CPU 661 mounted on the image display control board 660 constitutes an effect device control means for receiving predetermined command information from the game control means and controlling the effect device.
The command information is configured by a display control command. The image display control board 660 is provided separately from the game control board, and constitutes an effect device control board on which the effect device control means is mounted.

(8) The power supply circuit 651 shown in FIG. 11 constitutes power supply creating means for creating electric power used by the game control means from a predetermined power supply. A power supply board 650 shown in FIG. 11 constitutes a power supply board provided separately from the game control board and mounting the power supply creation means.

[0238]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
As for the game control means and the value provision control means, each of which is mounted on a separate control board, the game control means is compared with the case where the value provision control function of the value provision control means is borne by the game control means. The processing load of the means can be reduced. In addition, the value-added control board can be diverted as it is, and only the game control board can be replaced to be remodeled into a slot machine that can provide a new game, so that the control board can be used effectively.

Regarding claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the game control means substantially controls the game by controlling a variable display device for communication with the information recording medium processing device. The game controlling means can directly grasp the request information. For this reason, for example, after inputting the request information to other value assignment control means other than the game control means, it bypasses the value assignment control means and the like, and the other value assignment control means and the like based on the request information or the request information. The configuration can be simplified as compared with a configuration in which the generation information generated in step (1) is re-input to the game control means.

[0240] Claim 3 provides, in addition to the effect of Claim 1, a value grant in which the required information output from the information recording medium processing device is exchanged for debit of valuable value without being input to the game control means. Since control is possible, there is no need to provide an information transmission route from the information recording medium processing device to the game control means. As a result, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the illegal operation of the game control means caused by inputting illegal data to the game control means by abusing the information transmission route from the information recording medium processing device to the game control means. .

With respect to claim 4, claims 1 to 3
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, since information is transmitted by one-way communication from the game control means to the value provision control means, illegal data is input from the value provision control means to the game control means and the game control is performed. It is possible to prevent the means from malfunctioning as much as possible. In addition, since the detection signal of the detection means is input to both the game control means and the value provision control means, the payout status of the value object can be confirmed by both control means.

With respect to claim 5, claims 1 to 4
In addition to the effects of any one of the above, since the game control means and the sound control means having the sound output device control function are mounted on separate control boards, the sound output device control function is loaded on the game control means. The processing load on the game control means can be reduced as compared with the case where the game control is performed. Further, the sound control means can be diverted as it is, and it is also possible to replace the game control board alone and convert it to a slot machine capable of providing a new game, so that the control board can be used effectively. further,
The size of one control board can be made compact.

With respect to claim 6, claims 1 to 4
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, the game control means and the illuminant control means having the illuminant control function are mounted on separate control boards, respectively, so that the illuminant control function is borne by the game control means. As compared with the case, the processing load on the game control means can be reduced. Further, the light-emitting body control means can be diverted as it is, and it is possible to replace the game control board alone to be modified into a slot machine capable of providing a new game, so that the control board can be used effectively. further,
The size of one control board can be made compact.

Regarding claim 7, claims 1 to 4
In addition to the effects of any one of the above, since the game control means and the effect device control means having the effect device control function are mounted on separate control boards, the effect device control function is provided by the game control means. The processing load on the game control means can be reduced as compared with the case where the game control means is burdened. Further, the effect device control means can be diverted to the slot machine which can provide a new game by exchanging only the game control board, and the control board can be used effectively. Further, the size of one control board can be reduced.

As for claim 8, claims 1 to 7
In addition to the effects of any of the above, the size of the game control board can be reduced compared to the case where the power supply creation means is mounted on the game control board, and the game control board can be replaced with a new one. Therefore, when providing a slot machine with new game contents, the power supply creation means can be left as it is in the slot machine for effective use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a slot machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an internal structure of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot machine for explaining a mode of mounting a control board.

FIG. 4 is a development view showing a symbol drawn on the outer periphery of the reel.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between a game control board and a microcomputer for controlling a card unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between an image display control board and a game control board.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between a lamp control board and a game control board.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between a voice control board and a game control board.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between a payout control board and a game control board.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between a power supply board and each control board.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining types of sound effects.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a slot machine for explaining a mounting mode of a control board (second embodiment).

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine (third embodiment).

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine (fourth embodiment).

FIG. 16 is a block diagram for explaining a connection relationship between a payout control board and a game control board (fifth embodiment).

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the advance notice reliability (light) using only a flash pattern and the advance notice reliability (audio) using only an audio notice pattern.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a flash pattern 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 slot machine, 23L, 23C, 23R reel, 36, 240, 241 speaker, 60 variable display device (reel unit), 66 hopper unit, 2
10 payout medal sensor, 216 game number display,
217 Credit indicator, 218 Payout indicator, 2
19-227 Game effect lamp, 228-232 Effective line display lamp, 233 Game over lamp, 23
4 Replay ramp, 235 Weight ramp, 236
Start lamp, 237 insert medal lamp,
251,361,461,561,661 CPU, 2
61 Reel ramp, 260 Game control board, 340
Button unit lamp, 341L, 341C, 341R
Left, middle, right effective lamp, 360 payout control board, 46
0 voice control board, 462 voice synthesis circuit, 560 lamp control board, 650 power supply board, 651 power supply circuit,
660 image display control board, 670 production device, 70
0 Card unit.

Claims (8)

[Claims] A variable display device whose display state can be changed; a game control means for performing a lottery relating to a display result of the variable display device and controlling the variable display device; and predetermined command information from the game control means. Receiving a value object or value information that can be exchanged for the value object to the player, value providing control means for performing value providing control, a game control board equipped with the game control means, And a value assignment control board provided with the value assignment control means. 2. The slot machine receives an information recording medium on which information identifying a value owned by a player is recorded, and exchanges the value object for the value object or the value information. The game control unit is connected to an information recording medium processing device that outputs request information to be given to a player, and the game control unit communicates with the information recording medium processing device and receives the request information. The slot machine according to 1. 3. The slot machine receives an information recording medium on which information identifying a value owned by a player is recorded, and exchanges the value object for the value object or the value information. The information processing device is connected to an information recording medium processing device that outputs request information to be given to a user, and the value assignment control unit communicates with the information recording medium processing device and receives the request information. Item 3. The slot machine according to Item 1. 4. A one-way communication of information from the game control means to the value provision control means is performed between the game control means and the value provision control means. 4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect the provision of the value object, wherein the detection unit outputs a detection signal to both the game control unit and the value provision control unit. The slot machine according to any of the above. 5. A sound output device capable of outputting a sound; a sound control device for receiving predetermined command information from the game control device to control the sound output device; and a sound control device provided separately from the game control board, A sound control board on which the sound control means is mounted.
The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. A predetermined illuminant, illuminant control means for receiving predetermined command information from the game control means and controlling the illuminant, and provided separately from the game control board and controlling the illuminant. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a luminous body control board on which the means is mounted. 7. An effect device provided separately from the variable display device for visually enhancing the effect of the game, and receiving predetermined command information from the game control means to control the effect device. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an effect device control unit; and an effect device control board provided separately from the game control substrate and mounted with the effect device control unit. A slot machine according to any of the above. 8. A game machine further comprising: a power source generating means for generating power used by the game control means from a predetermined power source; and a power source board provided separately from the game control board and mounted with the power source generating means. Characterized by
A slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.